Darlington manager Gary Bennett has ruled out a swoop for former Quakers favourite Marco Gabbiadini.

The former Sunderland player, who scored over 50 goals in two seasons for Quakers, moved to Northampton after the play-off final last season, but failed to find the back of the net on a regular basis.

Bennett pointed out that he played with Gabbiadini at Sunderland, and said: "I have known Marco a long time as a friend, not just a player.

"I spoke to him this week, but that was only about family matters, nothing else.

"He has moved his family down there, and is on a three-year contract. If he was having problems there and was wanting to leave, then I'm sure I would know about it.

"Even if he did come back, would he be able to do the same again?"

Bennett has been linked with several other players this week, but said: "Clubs are returning to pre-season training soon, and managers will be back at their desks next week. There are one or two players who we've earmarked."

Hull midfielder Gary Brabin has also been linked, but Bennett denied that he is planning talks.

The tough tackling midfielder, who scored against Quakers last season, has been released by Hull boss Brian Little, and Quakers held talks with him in February.

But Bennett said: "Gary was a player we were interested in last season, but the financial package he wanted was too high.

"Now that he's available again, there will be a lot of clubs interested in him."

Bennett appears to have enough central midfielders, especially as Martin Gray is near to full fitness again, and earlier in the week Neil Maddison arrived at the club.

The proposed Newcastle friendly on August 7 won't be going ahead after the Magpies were handed a late place in the Intertoto cup.

"We were 99 per cent sure that we would have played them, but we may try and arrange another game," said Bennett.

Quakers have agreed to change the kick-off time of their game at Luton on Saturday January 29 to 1pm.