Hodgson closing in on deal for Swansea striker Connor

Hodgson has turned his attentions to Bishop Auckland-born Connor after securing the services of Sam Russell, Matty Appleby and Bertrand Bossu.

Russell finally ended speculation surrounding his future by penning a new two-year deal yesterday, while Appleby has agreed to extend his stay for a further season. Hodgson has also completed the signing of French stopper Bossu as cover for Russell.

Now Hodgson will hope to persuade Connor, whose 13 goals helped Swansea to promotion last season, to add firepower to Quakers' League Two cause.

Swansea agreed a performance-related package with Quakers on Thursday and Hodgson remains hopeful of concluding a deal.

And, after the Swans recently completed the signing of Torquay striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, Connor favours a return to the North-East.

Connor, who began his career at Middlesbrough, has been a prolific scorer in the Football League's fourth tier, both with Rochdale and Swansea, and Hodgson feels the 26-year-old could be the kind of targetman to spearhead Quakers' attack next season, having already landed Leeds United's Simon Johnson. While the fee remains undisclosed, fans will be encouraged by the financial backing of chairman Stewart Davies.

Compared with last season, Hodgson's spending budget has increased and the signing of Connor would be the first time Quakers have paid a fee for a player since Ian Clark moved from Hartlepool in a £15,000 deal in November 2001.

"Swansea City have accepted our incentive-based transfer offer for Paul Connor and talks are on-going with the player," Hodgson confirmed.

"His family are eager to return to the North-East but he wants to ensure that everything is right for them before committing to the switch."

Hodgson will give Connor all the time he needs to make his mind up, having played the waiting game with Russell.

The future of Russell, Darlington's player of the year last season, has been in limbo since May amid interest from several clubs, including Stoke City.

Hodgson said: "Sam had a few options available to him during the summer and was linked with other clubs but we are delighted that he has pledged his future to Darlington."

Bossu arrives on a one-year deal following his acrimonious exit from Gillingham last month. The 6ft 7in stopper was released by new Gills' boss Neale Cooper after failing to report back for pre-season training.

Hodgson said: "We now have two very good keepers at the club and I'm sure Bertrand will offer some good competition to Sam for a starting role."

Appleby, who returned to Quakers towards the end of last season from Oldham, has signed a one-year deal.

"Keeping someone of Matty's experience at the club was essential," said Hodgson. "He's a genuine fans' favourite and will play a very important role next season."

Swindon Town midfielder David Duke is also training with the club and could feature when Hodgson takes his side to non-league Barrow today, while Manchester United striker Colin Heath is in talks over a possible move.

Defender Joey Hutchinson will get another run-out after playing the last 30 minutes of Thursday's friendly win at Harrogate Town. Hutchinson made his first appearance since suffering cruciate knee ligament damage at Rochdale ten months ago.

And former Newcastle and Watford winger Andy Ferrell will hope to increase his chances of a permanent move after impressing at Harrogate.

Darlington youth-team drew 0-0 with Blyth Spartans at Croft Park last night.

Martin Gray's side also included four trialists, Australian midfielder Daniel Wade, Gabriel Omoniyi, Reading striker Nathan Bailey and Hednesford forward Andy Bell.

Gray said: "I'm very pelased with the result -we had a young team out against a full-strength Blyth side. We fielded a few trialists and Andy Bell did very well, we'll have another look at him in the coming days.''

Darlington: Wright, Casson, Janes, Pattison, Gibson, Wade, McLeod, Tait, Parkin, Omoniyi, Bailey