NATIONAL League Torquay United have had an enquiry into the availability of Poole Town hotshot Tony Lee rejected by the Dolphins.

25-year-old Lee plundered 36 goals last campaign despite being ruled out for two months due to a broken collarbone.

Lee’s form naturally led to the interest of numerous clubs, but it is understood that fifth-tier Torquay represent the first professional club to have made an approach.

Torquay, who have appeared in the Football League as recently as 2014, missed out on a return to League Two after defeat in the play-off final last season to Hartlepool on penalties.

This campaign they are currently 10th – unable to finish in the play-offs with a game remaining.

The Daily Echo understands that the club’s position regarding any potential move requires the transfer to ensure that it is both adequate for Poole and Lee.

Dolphins will only consider offers from full-time outfits that can ensure a long-term deal for the former Eastleigh man.

It is a similar approach taken to the transfer of Charlie Austin, who left Poole to join Swindon Town in 2009.

Austin went on to play in the Premier League for QPR and Southampton, albeit joining Swindon at the younger age of 20.

Thanks to numerous sell-on clauses in the Austin deal, Poole were able to invest into their current home of Tatnam Farm, bringing the ground up to the grading required to obtain promotion from the Wessex Premier, before further improvements to attain their current grading fit for the National South.

Lee is currently contracted to Poole until the end of the 2022/23 season, with the forward also working with Champion Sports, who have ties with the club.

It is understood that Lee, who is represented by Sportz Connexions, is not currently pushing for a move.

Alongside Lee, stalwart Corby Moore, Declan Rose, and youngster Will Fletcher are also tied to the club until the conclusion of next campaign.