WITH tomorrow's deadline on emergency loan signings looming, Darlington manager David Hodgson will attempt to complete an audacious double transfer swoop within the next 24 hours.

Hodgson is preparing to hold talks with a Premiership club to discuss the availability of one of his long-term striker targets, while Hull City midfielder Russell Fry could seal a temporary switch to the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena.

Both players have played only bit-part roles for their club's this season and Hodgson hopes the promise of first-team football will help convince their respective managers that a short-term move would be beneficial.

Fry, who has represented England Under-20s this season, is regarded as one of the most promising attacking midfield prospects outside the Premiership.

However, the 19-year-old has been unable to hold down a regular place in Peter Taylor's side and made his first appearance of the season at Reading at the weekend.

With interest from several Championship sides, Hodgson is reluctant to disclose the identity of the young striker, a prolific goalscorer at reserve-team level. And, given Quakers' profligacy in front of goal this season, his arrival would be a welcome one.

Hodgson has until tomorrow's 5pm deadline to strengthen his squad, ahead of a crucial Christmas schedule. Quakers are five points adrift of a play-off spot after Saturday's defeat at struggling Macclesfield.

One player who Hodgson almost re-signed recently was former Middlesbrough striker Alun Armstrong, now at Rushden & Diamonds, who take on Quakers this weekend.

The 30-year-old scored 11 goals for Darlington last season, but Hodgson chose not to offer the Tynesider a new deal following injury problems.

Armstrong penned a deal with Rushden last month and has so far netted once in three starts for his new club. Ahead of this weekend's clash, Armstrong is relishing the chance to prove Hodgson that he was wrong to let him go.

"It doesn't matter who scores the goals but obviously it would be good for me to get on the scoresheet," admitted Armstrong.

* Martin Gray's Darlington youth team play host to Huddersfield Town in the second round of the FA Youth Cup tonight (7pm). The winners of the tie will face Leicester City. Tickets are £3 adults and £1 concessions.

Read more about the Quakers here.