Midfielder Ashley Carew appears to have worn an Ebbsfleet United shirt for the last time.

The play-off semi-final first-leg win at Chelmsford seems set to have been Carew’s swansong after a two-game ban ruled him out of the return leg and consigned him to the role of spectator in the final at Farnborough.

The 24-year-old former Gillingham and Barnet midfielder (pictured) moved from Bromley last summer and was an instrumental figure in the club’s return to the Conference top-flight.

Fleet boss Liam Daish said: "We have made Ashley an offer which he has declined.

"I believe he is talking to another club at the moment and have got a good idea who it is. I have had another conversation with him but nothing has really changed."

Daish is chasing several targets, including a centre-half and another midfielder, while goalkeeping cover for Preston Edwards is another area he may be looking at, with youngster Daren Hawkes back at Gillingham after being offered a contract at Priestfield.

Daish said: "I am talking to a couple of players at the moment but generally people are holding their breath, looking for the best deals.

"Whether being back in Conference Premier makes us more competitive in the transfer market really depends on what players are looking for."