Darlington manager Gary Bennett is expecting to snap up at least one player from crisis club Hull in the next 48 hours.

Bennett yesterday held talks with two players, midfielder Gary Brabin and defender David Brightwell, and is optimistic he can bring at least one of them to Feethams in time for Saturday's game at Barnet.

"I would like to say that they are coming, but there are a few things they need to sort out at Hull," he said.

"They need to check on what's happening at the Hull end, because of all the financial trouble over the last few weeks."

It is understood that even though Hull had a gate of over 8,000 for their win over Leyton Orient last Saturday, the players weren't paid and tomorrow's deadline is fast approaching when they will be able to walk away from the club.

Manager Brian Little said: "All the players want to be here but it's a situation where we will receive phone calls from other clubs. I've already said to the players that I owe it to them that if people phone me I will talk to them.

"I've already spoken to individuals but we've not really let that out during the past week.

"I don't want to see players leave. But I am a human being and I care for the well-being of my players.''

If Bennett's targets do leave Hull, they may risk losing the six weeks' wages which are owed to them, unless they are given a guarantee by the administrator.

Boothferry Park striker David Brown has rejected a move to Feethams because his wife doesn't want to move.

Bennett is not interested in signing former Hartlepool midfielder Gus DiLella, who is now on trial at Scarborough, or Hull's Jason Harris and Kevin Francis.

Bennett arranged a behind closed doors friendly with Sunderland yesterday after Saturday's game with Shrewsbury was postponed. Quakers lost 2-1 and he said. "Since we played Lincoln a fortnight ago, we've only played one game and that was last Tuesday in the LDV.

"I thought that it was important that we had a game, so we could work on a few things ready for the game at Barnet."

Meanwhile, former Darlington striker Lee Nogan, has signed for York City.

l Ask Wes Brown if Manchester United can win the Champions League and his reply is as swift as one of his challenges: ''Definitely.''

Brown is not being cocky, he firmly believes United can beat any of their remaining Champions League rivals and repeat their 1999 success.

United are well placed to reach the quarter-finals ahead of tomorrow's trip to Valencia after winning their opening two Group A games.

''As long as we perform then on our day we're capable of beating anyone,'' said Brown