Darlington have failed to agree terms with winger Sam Aiston, but have entered into talks with two other transfer targets.

Aiston, who had been released by Shrewsbury Town, was all set to sign for the club - subject to a medical - in the near future after Darlington swooped to snatch the player from under the noses of League Two rivals Grimsby Town.

The former Newcastle United junior and Sunderland player verbally agreed to join the Mariners until Darlington boss David Hodgson made his interest known.

But now it seems the deal to bring the player to the Williamson Motors Stadium will flounder over the conditions of his contract.

There is, however, better news for Hodgson with his attempts to bring a couple of other players in.

Leeds United striker Simon Johnson and Swindon's former Sunderland midfielder David Duke both met with the manager over the weekend.

Johnson, 22, spent time on loan in the North-East last season, making one full appearance and four substitute appearances for the Black Cats after joining for a month in September.

He then went back to Leeds before being shipped out to League One Doncaster Rovers and, latterly, their South Yorkshire rivals Barnsley.

He scored five times during the season, three for Rovers and twice for the Oakwell club.

Hodgson is seeking a striker after missing out on Colin Larkin last week, when the former Wolves man moved to Chesterfield on a two-year deal after his release from Mansfield.

Inverness-born Duke, who is out of contract at Swindon, held talks with Quakers in May and, after being offered a new deal at the County Ground by boss Andy King on the same terms as last season, has travelled north again for a second round of discussions.

A spokesman for the Quakers would not comment when the suggested identities of the two players were put to him, but said: "Initial discussions have started with two players and are going well. All involved remain hopeful of a positive outcome."

l Darlington's pre-season friendly at Bishop Auckland on July 23 has been cancelled after Middlesbrough were forced to bring their game with Quakers at the Williamson Motors Stadium forward a week from July 30.