Alun Armstrong will hold further talks with Darlington in the next 48 hours - but manager David Hodgson is bracing himself for a fight to land the former Middlesbrough striker.

Gateshead-born Armstrong is expected to discuss a possible return to the North-East after being freed by Ipswich Town during the summer.

Hodgson held lengthy discussions with Armstrong and his agent last week and had hoped to keep his interest in the 29-year-old under wraps.

But after weekend reports linked Armstrong with a move to Quakers, Hodgson now fears his availability will alert other clubs.

"I have no doubt that Alun would be a fantastic signing for the club and it's only natural that a player of his ability will attract interest," said Hodgson.

"We were hoping to keep our interest private so it was disappointing that the news leaked out over the weekend.

"Now that his name has cropped up I'm sure other clubs will want to take a look at him."

After recovering from a persistent back injury, Armstrong spent most of last season playing reserve-team football at Portman Road, before joining Bradford on loan.

And after failing to earn a new contract with Town at the end of last season, Armstrong has been looking for a new club.

The forward was on trial with Bristol City earlier this month but his hopes of earning a permanent deal at Ashton Gate were cut short by injury.

Armstrong also had a brief spell on trial at Rotherham earlier this season, while Walsall are known admirers.

However, Hodgson will hope Quakers' growing contingent of former Boro stars will help lure Armstrong back to the North-East.

Craig Hignett linked up with ex-Riverside teammates Curtis Fleming, Craig Liddle, Andy Collett, Mark Proctor and Neil Maddison at the Williamson Motors Stadium last week and Hodgson admitted: "That can only work in our favour.

"Nobody would have given us a chance of signing Craig Hignett but we did so we will just have to wait and see what develops."

Quakers yesterday completed the signing of American winger Adolfo Gregorio on a three-month deal.

The 21-year-old was on trial with Quakers during the summer and played 75 minutes of last week's reserve-team draw with Halifax.

Gregorio has represented his country at several youth-team levels and was part of the Under-23 side which came second in the Vale de Tejo tournament in Portugal.

Defender Matt Clarke will hold talks with Bradford City this week over a possible move to Valley Parade. The 23-year-old was involved in a car accident over the weekend but escaped unhurt.

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