Striker Freddie Ladapo looks set to stay at Margate after turning down the chance to join a Vanarama National League club.

Gate boss Nikki Bull revealed this afternoon that the Blues had accepted an offer for the former Colchester United man only for the player to say no to the move.

Bull explained: "We accepted a bid for Freddie and, in line with the agreement we had with him, we allowed him to go and speak to the club but he's decided to stay at Margate which we're obviously delighted about.

"It was their third bid and it was a good offer but Freddie decided to turn it down."

Ladapo, who turned 23 today, has scored 10 goals for the Gate this season, and appears to have found a new lease of life since Bull succeeded former boss Terry Brown in mid-December.

The former Kidderminster forward scored the winning goals in Bull's first two matches, against Gosport and Maidstone United, and was man-of-the-match in the 2-1 victory away to leaders Ebbsfleet United on January 23.

Bull revealed after Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Bishop's Stortford in Vanarama National League South that Margate had turned down four bids for Ladapo - two from a Conference club - believed to be Barrow - and two more from a Football League club.

A second Conference club joined the race on Monday and had two bids refused before coming back with a third which the Gate board accepted.

Bull says he could not rule out another club coming in for Ladapo before tonight's deadline, but it is believed the player himself has his heart set on a return to the Football League.