DARLINGTON will learn next week if their ambitious move for former Middlesbrough striker Dean Windass has been successful.

The 35-year-old is expected to make a decision on his future when he returns from holiday in La Manga early next week.

Windass is one of 20 Bradford City players who have been told to look for new club's as part of a cost-cutting exercise with the Bantams facing crippling debts of over £30m.

And with no further assurances on the future of relegated City, Quakers boss David Hodgson is on the verge of pulling off what would be a major transfer coup.

But despite Hodgson's insistence that Windass has agreed a two-year deal "in principle" with Quakers, the players' agent, John Hendrie, has revealed no commitments have yet been made.

"Dean is going away for a week and when he returns he will make a decision straight away," said Hendrie.

Quakers are the only club to have made an approach for Windass despite interest from Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday.

Part of the deal would see Windass move into a player-coach role in his second year with the club.

"I can't really comment on whether I will sign for them at the moment because there are a few issues I have got to get sorted," said Windass.

"There is an offer on the table from Darlington. I am pleased with the offer and everything has gone OK in that way. It is just about tying up a few loose ends with my agent, John Hendrie."

* One time Quakers target Iyseden Christie has been released by Mansfield Town.

* Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston conceded he was taking a risk by handing former Scotland defender Colin Hendry his first job as manager.

The 38-year-old former Manchester City, Blackburn and Rangers defender was unveiled at a Bloomfield Road press conference following Steve McMahon's departure by mutual consent last month.

Former Mansfield and Notts County manager Billy Dearden has been named as Hendry's assistant with further back-up provided by Blackburn youth academy coach Ian Miller.

Oyston admitted Hendry's lack of managerial experience was a calculated gamble, but said: ''With Billy helping him we believe we have the right blend of experience and quality in place.

''The finances for the new manager will be the same as they were for the last one."

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