DARLINGTON are poised to sell young midfielder Adam Rundle to Carlisle United this morning, in a deal worth £40,000.

Rundle, who nearly joined the Cumbrians earlier this season, has already agreed a three and a half year contract at Brunton Park.

The 18-year-old will undergo a final medical today before putting pen to paper on the deal. He could feature at Hartlepool tomorrow.

Darlington chairman George Reynolds admitted he did not want to see the player leave, but revealed he was fighting a losing battle because Rundle wanted to go.

"We have offered him a contract all year which he has not accepted," said Reynolds. "He was going to leave at the end of the season anyway.

"We want players at this club who want to play for us.

"We want those who have got the club in their hearts. At the moment that's the type of players we have got here."

Rundle is understood to be costing Carlisle £20,000 now and then a further £20,000 on February 4.

The left-midfielder, who has been with the Quakers for over two years, is out of contract in the summer - when a tribunal would decide a fee.

And, although Reynolds would have liked to have retained the player's services, the Feethams supremo said: "I think he is a good enough player but there's not a lot you can do when a player doesn't want to stop."

* Sheffield United will have Jon Harley available for the last time tomorrow before his loan deal expires.

Harley is set to play for the last time against Burnley at Bramall Lane before returning to Fulham, although the club are keen negotiate a new deal. Blades striker Carl Asaba is doubtful with a calf injury whilst the Clarets have fitness concerns over Lee Briscoe and Michael Branch.

United's city rivals Sheffield Wednesday face the tough prospect of a South Yorkshire derby at Rotherham as they bid to move off the foot of the table.

Goalkeeper Kevin Pressman will miss his second successive match after damaging his calf in the Boxing Day win over Forest.

Read more about the Quakers here.