Dartford boss Tony Burman has opened the door for Charlie Sheringham to return to Princes Park this summer.

The 29-year-old striker will leave Ebbsfleet after three years when his contract expires next Friday.

Sheringham, who finished last season on loan at Hemel Hempstead, joined the Darts seven years ago and earned a move to Bournemouth in October 2011.

He returned on loan towards the end of the 2012-13 season and, after a spell at AFC Wimbledon, signed for Fleet in summer 2014.

Sheringham scored 20 goals in 64 appearances for Dartford’s local rivals but is now looking for a new club after being released.

Burman wants to bring in another striker and hasn’t ruled out Sheringham returning for a third spell.

He said: "I’ve always thought Charlie was a good player. I haven’t spoken to him but we’ll have to see what occurs.

"I would like to have Charlie around us because he’s an intelligent player and a good lad.

"He’d be a good addition to the squad. He’s a good player and someone I think a lot of. We’ll just have to see what happens."

Dartford are maintaining their interest in Maidstone’s transfer-listed left-back Tom Mills, although they face competition from Margate and Chelmsford, with Stones demanding a fee for the defender.

Burman returned from holiday this week to a stack of messages from players and agents but is keeping his cool amid the close-season transfer chaos.

Burman said: "We made approaches before I went away and we’re still waiting for answers. Some of the guys we’ve spoken to are on holiday themselves.

"We haven’t got definite yes’s but we haven’t got definite no’s. It’s a case of waiting until they’re ready to come back in.

"I would like to sign one or two just before we report back for pre-season but I’m not concerned if we don’t.

"There are still good players out there and they’ll be talking to us right up until the start of the season.

"We’re looking for an extra defender and we want a player up front.

"Loads of people have sent us messages but I know who I’d like to take.

"I’m waiting because they’re the ones where I want to give them as much time as I can to give me the right answer."

Darts begin pre-season training next Thursday (June 29) and their first friendly is at home to Millwall on Saturday, July 8 (1pm).