Cambridge United have become a surprise challenger for Daryl Clare's signature after the striker priced himself out of a move to Lincoln.
Imps boss Keith Alexander, who has chased a string of Conference strikers this season without success, told the press: "I spoke to Daryl, but we could not meet his wages."
Peterboro were the original favourites for his signature but have gone quiet on the striker with money tight at London Road, and Yeovil were also linked briefly until Clare refused to move to Somerset for family reasons. Mark Wright is also believed to have made a move to take the striker back to Chester, but that was also refused.
With all the apparent League options now exhaused Clare has been linked to Weymouth, a usual suspect in any transfer talks at the moment, Stevenage and Cambridge.
Stevenage boss Graham Westley told their official site in January that he was being outbid on players and had little space left in his budget, suggesting that any bid will mean players leaving Broadhall Way first. Weymouth have already made unsuccessful bids for Exeter striker Jake Edwards and Carlisle's ex-Woking forward Raphael Nade.