Hampton & Richmond Borough boss Alan Dowson hopes the Beavers head the queue of suitors for goalkeeper Mark Smith – but he will not break the bank to land him.

The 20-year-old keeper starred for Hampton on loan from Brentford this season as they claimed the Ryman Premier Division title.

Smith was this week named in the division’s team of the season, but it was not enough to persuade his Championship paymasters to hand him a deal at Griffin Park for next term.

Dowson, who met with the Hampton board yesterday to discuss plans for the club's return to the National League South, has backed the former QPR youngster to find a new club and he hopes he chooses the Beveree.

“We are speaking to potential signings for next season and I’m staggered by what people think they are worth,” he said.

“I’ve been quoted £500-a-week for some players. I wouldn’t pay that for Messi in our league.

“That's football these days, but Leicester City have shown everyone there might be another way of doing things.”

He added: “We would love to have Mark Smith here next season – 100 per cent.

“He is plenty good enough to play professionally and there will be a lot of clubs interested in him.”