A CONSORTIUM discussing a bid for Darlington Football Club is to hold crucial talks over the weekend, and could publicly declare its intentions on Monday.

Members of the group, understood to include Darlington Supporters' Trust, will be locked in talks over a bid for the crisis-hit club and the 25,000-capacity Reynolds Arena.

Although the names of those involved have not been announced, the Darlington-based consortium is thought to be close to going public.

If that happens, it will be the second serious declaration of interest in buying the club and ground, following insurance tycoon Brooks Mileson's revelation that he is also keen on buying the club.

However, speculation that a US investor is keen on making a bid is thought to be wide of the mark.

The Northern Echo understands the rumours began circulating after a conversation between Quakers legend Alan Sproates and a US businessman.

The former Darlington star made him aware of the plight of the club, now in administration, and the unnamed businessman made a tentative expression of interest.

However, no approach has been made to the administrators, Sheffield-based Wilson Field.

Sproates was part of the 1966 promotion-winning team, arguably Darlington's greatest ever, and went on to live and coach in the US.

He returned to the region last year for the last match at Feethams and the opening of the Reynolds Arena, and still follows the club's fortunes closely.

Sunderland-born Mr Mileson, 56, said he was also interested in buying another club, thought to be Darlington's Division Three relegation rivals Carlisle United.

Many fans are pinning their hopes on the consortium being able to make a positive move after this weekend's discussions.

Tony Taylor, of the supporters' trust, said: "There will be various meetings taking place over the weekend.

"We are just trying to get things in place as to what and who is going to be involved."

Read more about the Quakers in crisis at www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/sport/football