COUNCIL chiefs have moved to dismiss speculation linking them to a potential deal involving Darlington Football Club's Feethams ground.

Quakers chairman George Reynolds wants to swap two stands at the 120-year-old ground for a plot of land next to the club's new 27,500-capacity stadium in Neasham Road.

Mr Reynolds said he wanted to turn the 90-acre site into an international football academy and was prepared to offer Feethams' main East Stand and the South Terrace to the borough council in exchange for the land.

He is proposing a deal which would allow Feethams to become a venue for local league and school matches.

But senior figures at the authority said that no deal with the football club is likely to be struck in the near future.

A council spokesman said: "Our focus is on helping Darlington FC meet its commitments to complete the new stadium before the start of the new season.

"We have had no discussions with Darlington FC regarding any other land but, at present, the club has ongoing commitments in relation to Feethams.

"In the current circumstances, we cannot foresee any situation where the council would want any involvement in Feethams stadium."

Despite the council's reluctance, Mr Reynolds said he was still keen to discuss a deal.

He said: "I certainly hope that this initiative is not dead. I have a burning desire to virtually gift this facility over to the people of Darlington. Feethams would be a marvellous addition to the council's leisure portfolio.

"While I accept that no detailed discussions have taken place, my desire is to sit round a table with the powers-that-be at local authority level to try and strike a deal.

"It is in the interests of the town that we do not lose a wonderful facility like Feethams."

The club has received offers for the £2.7m East Stand, but Mr Reynolds said he did not want to pull it down without all options to keep it in place being looked at.

Feethams staged its last ever Quakers' game earlier this month; a 2-2 draw with Leyton Orient.