Football chairman George Reynolds pulled off one of the biggest shocks in the region's sporting history last night by announcing the imminent signing of Columbian international Faustino Asprilla.

Asprilla could become a Darlington FC player as early as tomorrow, if he obtains a work permit from the Home Office, and could make his debut at home to Carlisle at Feethams tomorrow night.

The former Newcastle United striker met Darlington's outspoken chairman, George Reynolds, for talks at his luxury home in Weardale, County Durham, last night.

A contract has already been drawn up, and the Quakers chief hopes to sign Asprilla, known as Tino, on a two-year contract with an option for a further year.

Mr Reynolds has signed the Columbian, who has been playing football in South America, on a free transfer and hopes he will spearhead a promotion push towards to the Premiership.

Speaking to The Northern Echo last night, Asprilla said: "I am really happy. It is important for me to be in Darlington. I want to play in the Third Division because Darlington have the intention of getting to the Premier League."

Mr Reynolds, who would not disclose how much money he has offered Asprilla, said: "This is a good signing. I have other big players in mind. But we're not going to waste any money - we're going to buy quality.

"We have got to move forward - and if the fans get behind us, we'll do all right. I am very, very pleased for Darlington.

"He'll do a wonderful job for us and I hope that we'll do a wonderful job for him.

"We've drawn up the contract. He hasn't signed yet because we've got to wait for word from the Home Office and we've got the transfer window to think of, but I'm praying everything goes right."

Asprilla, 32, has enjoyed a colourful career with one of the high spots being a magnificent Champions League hat-trick for Newcastle against Barcelona, in September 1997.

Asprilla cost the Magpies £7.5m, in February 1996, when Kevin Keegan signed the Parma striker.

But he returned to the top Italian club less than two years later for £6.5m as Keegan's successor Kenny Dalglish made changes in his squad.

Since then, he has struggled to capitalise on his undoubted talent despite spells with Palmeiras and Nacional, which recently released him.

The Quakers will need to persuade the Government that a player who has figured in only five of his country's last 14 competitive games is worthy of a work permit.

The move for the player follows a highly secret operation, and Mr Reynolds said: "We've been in talks for some weeks now and I've kept it confidential to the best of my ability, because I didn't want any of the repercussions like we had with Paul Gascoigne, when people said it was a publicity stunt.

"We've been trying very, very hard to get him, and I want to make it quite clear that this is not a publicity stunt and we're serious about signing him.

"We've got a good team as it is, and if we can strengthen it with players like him, that can only be good.

"I've said all along that it's up to the fans. If they want good players they've got to make them turnstiles move.

"They're always telling me to spend money. I love spending money, so if they give it to me, I'll spend it."

Darlington FC Supporters' Club chairman Peter Thorns said: "If it happens, it would be great, but there is a problem of a work permit.

"He hasn't played the required internationals, so whether he would get a work permit remains to be seen. Middlesbrough got one for Juninho, but we aren't Middlesbrough, are we?

"It would be nice if it happens, especially if he's still got the form he showed for Newcastle. I don't want to get too excited about it until he's signed.

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