Swindon Town have opened the way for Darlington to make midfielder David Duke their second signing of the summer.

Duke has already held lengthy talks with Quakers and Swindon boss Andy King last night gave the clearest hint yet that the 26-year-old's future is away from the County Ground.

The former Sunderland midfielder is out of contract and King fears that meeting Duke's wage demands would reduce his budget for further team strengthening.

King, who has also yet to resolve the future of midfielder Sammy Igoe, said: "He (Duke) knows the situation and I know neither of them want to leave the club.

"They like the area, but the money is not there to improve their offers.

"The key thing is if both re-signed there would be nothing else left in the budget for further signings, apart from loans."

Quakers boss David Hodgson returns from a family holiday this week, where he will hope to wrap up a deal for the Scotsman.

Hodgson made Leeds United's Simon Johnson his first signing of the summer last month and hopes to add at least three more new faces before the start of the season, which begins at Rushden on August 6.

The Quakers squad are continuing their pre-season preparations in Scotland this week, before opening their friendly programme at Harrogate Town on July 14.

Read more about the Quakers here.