POOLE Town striker Tony Lee has been granted time off by the Southern League Premier South club to deal with a personal issue.

Whilst speculation surrounds the striker's future at the BlackGold Stadium, the Daily Echo understands it is not in relation to a potential transfer.

Goal machine Lee, who recorded 36 strikes last term despite missing two months with a snapped collarbone, has been the attention of three National League clubs, who have all attempted informal discussions with the Dolphins in regard to making a permanent move.

The Daily Echo understands that there have been no formal bids made so far for the 25-year-old, and that none of Yeovil Town, Torquay United and Southend United have restarted talks with Poole.

Former Eastleigh man Lee is under contract with Dolphins until the end of the 2022-23 campaign, and is understood to not currently be pushing for a move away from Poole.

Lee missed Poole's defeats to Bashley and Cherries under-23s on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively.

With the club operating with an abundance of privacy with Lee, boss Tom Killick told the Daily Echo: “We're not really in a position to say too much about that.

“Hopefully we might have him back quite soon and, when we do, it will be a huge boost for us.”

When asked if Lee had been allowed to speak to clubs or trial with other teams, Killick replied: “It's not so much that.

“It's just a personal issue that's being addressed. But we hope we might be in a position to have him back quite soon.”

Poole are back in action tomorrow as they entertain Dorset neighbours Weymouth at the BlackGold Stadium (kick-off 3pm).