A NEW owner for Darlington Football Club could be in place for the start of the new season.

Former chairman and owner George Houghton and his previous vice-chairman Raj Singh are close to an agreement for the sale of the club.

However, any sale is subject to legal agreements and the satisfactory conclusion of the company voluntary arrangement (CVA), the latter of which will take at least two months to complete.

Mr Houghton put the club into administration in February. After stalled talks to find new owners, he started the process to exit administration last week.

He is in America in a bid to finalise contracts to find finances but last night reached an agreement with Mr Singh for the club's sale.

A spokesman for the club said talks were held late last night and a statement would follow later today or next week.

She added the talks were subject to legal issues.

Dave Clark from administrators Brackenbury Clark & Co said the CVA will go out to creditors next week.

He added: "Any deals for assets and involvement are extremely premature. No sale has, as yet, been agreed.

"Once the CVA is sent out, creditors have 28 days to vote on the proposals before a further 28-day appeal process."

For further updates visit www.thenorthernecho.co.uk and see tomorrow's paper.