EXPERIENCED striker Martin Paul is on the verge of completing a loan deal after admitting he is losing match fitness.

But Paul, 30, stresses he is not unhappy at Chippenham and has no plans to leave Hardenhuish Park on a permanent basis.

He said: "I have no problems with Steve and he has made no indication that he wants me to leave.

"I can't complain that I am not getting into the side because the other lads are doing so well.

"I am not even coming on for ten or 15 minutes to try and prove my worth. I have been talking to Steve for a while and I feel I need to get four or five games under my belt to prove I can come in and score goals for Chippenham."

Five clubs have shown interest in the forward, who says he is in no rush to make a decision.

He does aim to try and stay in the Southern League as his ex-club Bath and Team Bath have showed interest.

Southern League West sides Mangotsfield and Paulton Rovers have also made contact with the striker.

Rovers manager Darren Perrin was at Tuesday night's match against Tiverton and had talks with Paul after the game.

But he is not likely to make any decision about his immediate future until after Chippenham's match against Stamford on Saturday.

"Whichever club I choose have to fulfil two criteria. I have to be guaranteed games, if I was going to sit on the bench I would do that here, and the club has to be at a decent standard.

"Ideally I would like to continue to play in this division. A loan deal benefits both parties I get to play and Steve will have a striker that is match fit and can come on and score goals."

Paul has even been linked to Conference South side Weston-super-Mare as manager Frank Gregan's squad is becoming depleted.

The striker admits that a decision to leave Chippenham even on loan was made more complicated after he scored his 153rd non-league goal against Tiverton on Tuesday.

"I did well and Steve might be more inclined to put me in the side now."