DARLINGTON striker Alun Armstrong is in talks with Sheffield Wednesday over a possible move to Hillsborough.

The 29-year-old and his representatives were in South Yorkshire yesterday, holding discussions with Owls' boss Paul Sturrock before they took on Hull.

Armstrong will become a free agent on December 16 when his short-term deal expires.

And while Quakers boss David Hodgson has already signalled his intentions to extend Armstrong's stay in the North-East, the lure of playing at a higher level on improved terms is certain to work in Wednesday's favour.

Following trials at Rotherham United and Bristol City, Armstrong took a massive pay cut to join Quakers on a free transfer in September after being released by Ipswich Town during the summer. The Gateshead-born forward has made a favourable impression at the WMS, scoring seven goals in 13 appearances.

But now Hodgson is bracing himself for a battle to hold on to his joint top scorer.

The former Middlesbrough striker put pen-to-paper on a three-month deal with Quakers on the basis that he could move on if the opportunity to play at a higher level arose.

Sturrock is keen to bolster his attacking options as he plots promotion from League One and held talks with Hodgson last week to discuss Armstrong's availability.

Wednesday could face competition from Championship leaders, Wigan Athletic for Armstrong's signature. Latics' boss Paul Jewell was at the WMS on Tuesday night to run the rule over the Tynesider.

And while Hodgson may be consigned to losing Armstrong, he has already warned that the "grass is not always greener on the other side" if he decides to leave the club.

Indeed, the loss of Armstrong would come as a major blow to Hodgson, who watched his side move into the play-off places for the first time this season following Tuesday's 2-1 win over Mansfield Town. Quakers meet Leyton Orient on Saturday, when Brian Close returns after a one-match ban. Defender Matt Clarke will be fit despite sustaining a facial injury against Mansfield