THE short-term future of Darlington Football Club could be secured by the end of today - paving the way for more talks over a permanent takeover.

Administrators Wilson Field believe they are close to agreeing a compromise deal that would guarantee the Quakers could continue trading until the end of the season.

Further discussions involving owners-in-waiting the Sterling Consortium were held yesterday.

Administrators are optimistic of reaching an agreement with Sterling and the Football League to keep the club in business for its remaining matches.

If approved, the deal would provide more breathing space for detailed talks to continue between Sterling and creditors, mainly former Darlington chairman George Reyn-olds.

Joint administrator David Field said last night: "I've been in contact with our solicitors and they're still negotiating terms.

"We're trying to reach an agreement between ourselves first, and then we'll take it to the Football League. I'm optimistic that we will have a settlement by the end of the day."

Mr Reynolds has stated that he will not block a Sterling-funded deal if the group ceases the bankruptcy proceedings it has initiated against him.

Sterling - made up of accountants Stewart Davies, Melvyn Laughton and Sean Verity - loaned £4m to Mr Reynolds to help complete work on the Reynolds Arena.

The financiers made the only credible offer to take over the club in an effort to protect their substantial investment after no other bidders emer-ged.

But administrators also warned that the present deadlock over a buyout was making it difficult to justify keeping the ailing business going.

Mr Field said: "There are arguments as to why we should shut down immediately, why we should shut down after the next home game when we have generated some cash, and why we should continue.

"But I am still optimistic that something can be done to ensure the survival of this club."