HAVING already secured the services of Will Smith, Darlington are on the verge of extending Romal Palmer’s loan from Barnsley for the remainder of the season.

Smith, a 20-year-old centre-back, has looked increasingly assured in Quakers’ defence since arriving just before Christmas, so manager Tommy Wright is pleased that Barnsley are permitting him to stay for the final 16 games.

Likewise, Palmer, 20, is due to be available the remainder of the campaign, starting with tomorrow’s fixture at home to Spennymoor Town.

The midfielder last week played for Barnsley’s under-23s last Friday as he was not going to be in Quakers’ starting XI the following day at Alfreton.

But he remains firmly in Wright’s plans, and the manager added: “It had looked like his loan would be done next week, but it should be done before Saturday now.”

Including Williams Kokolo, Quakers currently have three loan players in the squad, but Wright wants more and is in dialogue with North-East clubs.

“Will is done and dusted, it looks as though Romal will be completed shortly, and then we’ll see if we can squeeze a couple more through the door,” said Wright.

“We’re in talks with Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland and we’ll see what comes up.

“At the minute we could probably do with a striker, but in a few weeks’ time when Liam Hughes is back Simo Ainge will be able to play up front again.

“But in the short-term we could probably do with a little more firepower.”

Wright has had a striker on trial this week, and he could be in the squad tomorrow – international clearance pending – if he has impressed sufficiently.

Andrew Nelson, meanwhile, has left Sunderland to join Dundee.

The 21-year old striker made a big impression during a month on loan to Darlington recently, scoring six goals in five appearances.

But the academy graduate has been allowed to leave by the Black Cats, where his contract was due to expire at the end of the season.

He has joined the Scottish Premiership outfit on a permanent basis, for an undisclosed fee.