Darlington manager Mick Tait looks set to clinch his fourth signing of the summer today with the capture of Birmingham City defender Jonathan Hutchinson.

The 21-year-old is still under contract at St Andrews but Northern Echo SPORT understands the Blues are willing to let the Middlesbrough-born player leave on a free transfer.

Hutchinson will put pen to paper on a two-year deal at the Reynolds Arena and will go straight into the squad for tomorrow's Third Division opener at Hull City.

The imminent arrival of Hutchinson will end Tait's summer-long search for a central defender following Stuart Whitehead's departure for Telford.

Whitehead's decision to drop down a division was a big disappointment for Tait, who was desperate to keep hold of the defender and is hoping the highly-rated Hutchinson will prove a very able replacement.

The Teessider made just one Premiership appearance last season - at Leeds on New Year's Day - and while Blues boss Steve Bruce is an admirer of the youngster, having offered him an extended deal last year, he also recognises the player needs regular first-team football at this stage of his career.

A move to First Division Bradford City failed to materialise and now Hutchinson will be looking to kick-start his career back in the North-East

Only 48 hours earlier Frenchman Fabian Bossy put pen to paper on a one-year deal with Quakers after a successful trial spell

The 25-year-old's arrival follows the recent additions of goalkeeper Michael Price and striker Glen Robson.

Tait believes the former Clyde and Livingston midfielder will prove to be a useful addition.

"Fabian will add a bit of experience to our squad," said Tait.

"Apart from Neil Maddison our midfield is full of kids."

Tait expects to have a fully fit squad available tomorrow with Robson his only real concern.

The former Blyth man has trained this week but is still feeling some pain in a neck injury.

Neil Wainwright and Gary Pearson are both back in contention after returning to training.

Read more about the Quakers here.