Darlington boss Mick Tait admits that deals for loan stars Tom Newey and Jim Corbett are far from done, but remains optimistic about bringing the pair to the club on a permanent basis.
Blackburn striker Corbett and Leeds defender Newey are both out of contract in the summer and Tait has already made tentative inquiries for the two youngsters, who have been outstanding since joining the club on loan last month.
"We've had a word with Tom and Jim to see how they're finding it and whether it's worth us pursuing the situation," said Tait. "That's as far as we've got but the nice thing is they're enjoying it here and I think that gives us a chance.
"They've both been very positive about staying and that's all I can ask for at the moment."
Tait has, however, warned of the threat posed by other interested parties but admits the hijacking of deals is part and parcel of football.
"You've seen it so many times in the past when a player looks set to join one club then you pick up the paper in the morning and you find out he's gone somewhere else," said Tait.
"That's part of football and there's always different reasons why that happens.
"We've shown our interest and we hope to progress from there.
"We would like to sign them both but we can't lock them away in a cupboard until they give us a yes or a no."
Tait, meanwhile, is upbeat about his own future with the club and is hoping he has convinced chairman George Reynolds enough to hand him the managerial reins on a permanent basis.
Tait took over from Tommy Taylor in October and in his 31 games in charge Quakers have recorded ten wins, 12 draws and nine defeats.
"I've spoken to the chairman about lots of things and I have had no indication that he's looking for anybody else," said Tait.
"He wants me to deal with the players for next season, he wants me to put the team together and from everything I've spoken to him about it doesn't sound like he's looking for someone else at the moment.
"I'm doing the manager's job and if I continue to do it I'll be happy, if I don't then so be it."
Read more about the Quakers here.
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