HOPES of a deal to save Darlington Football Club grew last night when administrators announced that at least one "workable" bid was on the table.

On the eve of the deadline for bids to be made for taking over the Quakers, the legal team controlling the club announced that it is "optimistic" that closure can be avoided.

Administrators Wilson Field told The Northern Echo that they expected three serious bids will be tabled before tomorrow's deadline.

But they confirmed that the success of any deal hinges on former chairman George Reynolds compromising on how much money he receives from the rescue deal.

Mr Reynolds, who resigned as chairman after the club was taken into administration, now says he is owed almost £20m.

Previously, the controversial chairman has said he was owed £14m by the club.

At a meeting with Wilson Field this week, however, Mr Reynolds submitted a new figure taking the total he claims to be owed to £19.6m.

This makes him the largest unsecured creditor by far and any deal will need his approval if it is to stand a chance. It also emerged last night that administrators believe the final bill payable to the Sterling Consortium - the financier which lent money to the club secured on the stadium - may be as high as £5m.

Under the terms of the loan the Quakers agreed to pay 15 per cent interest on the Sterling cash injection.

Meanwhile, frantic efforts are going on behind the scenes to find bidders willing to take the company out of administration. It is understood that Irish business tycoon Des Kelly held talks with the administrators in Darlington yesterday.

Mr Kelly, the owner of a Dublin furniture chain, flew in for discussions. His interest has horrified some fans because he plans to install former Carlisle United boss Roddy Collins as manager if he is successful - leaving popular David Hodgson out in the cold.

One definite bidder is a consortium of local businessmen and Darlington Supporters' Trust.

If successful, the trust would be offered a seat on the board, as one of five equal partners and shareholders in the club.

David Elliott, of Wilson Field, refused to be drawn on the three serious parties he is talking to. He said: "We believe we have got one workable bid and we are hoping to better that."

Fellow administrator David Field revealed that Newcastle Falcons rugby club had asked for information about the Reynolds Arena on January 6 but had not been back in touch.

Falcons executive director John Parkinson said last night: "We just wanted to know what was going on."