Ebbsfleet defender Paul Lorraine could be on his way to Dartford when he walks out of Stonebridge Road for the last time next week.

Lorraine is calling time on his Fleet career after four seasons because he can’t commit to their new training schedule next season.

He almost joined Dartford last summer before Kuwaiti investors KEH Sports saved Ebbsfleet from extinction and new manager Steve Brown offered him a contract.

But now Lorraine, who only lives 25 minutes away from Princes Park, may be about to cross the north Kent divide and swap Fleet red for Darts white.

Dartford boss Tony Burman said: "Paul’s been an excellent player for Ebbsfleet.

"I don’t think it’s any secret I tried to sign him last year but it wasn’t to be. I haven’t spoken to him but he is someone I could be interested in."

He added: "I’ve spoken to one or two players and informed them of our interest. I’ve met with them and we’ll go from there.

"It’s a long summer but I would like to get things done as soon as possible. Every day, clubs are releasing people and letting you know who they’re not keeping. The situation changes each day.

"It’s more a case of tinkering than making major changes. When we added the loan players to the squad (last season), the team became more effective and I don’t want to lose everybody."