The possibility of Marco Gabbiadini moving to Reading moved a step closer yesterday when Joey Beauchamp decided to stay at Oxford United.

Reading boss Alan Pardew, a former team-mate of Gabbiadini at Crystal Palace, had targeted four players in his quest to strengthen their promotion challenge - Gabbiadini, Beauchamp, Chesterfield's David Reeves and Wigan's Andy Barlow.

Beauchamp is out of contract at Oxford, and his unwillingness to move out of the immediate area - he once joined West Ham but then immediately asked for a move - has prompted him to almost certainly stay at Oxford. Reading boss Alan Pardew said: "It is very unlikely that he will be coming to Reading."

And with David Reeves poised to stay at Chesterfield, then Pardew's options are now down to two.

Gabbiadini's options may also be limited. Northampton and Rushden expressed an interest in him but were scared off by his wage demands. Second Division Walsall, Scottish Premier League club Dundee United and Conference outfit Doncaster are understood to be watching developments, but Gabbiadini, who is looking for a three-year contract, is still on holiday.

Darlington, meanwhile, still insist that talks are planned between Gabbiadini and manager David Hodgson in the near future.

Quakers will reveal details of season-ticket prices at a meeting with the fans within the next fortnight.

Darlington chairman George Reynolds, who is attending a meeting of League chairmen tomorrow, wants to listen to the fans' views before a formal decision is made.

Darlington public relations director Luke Raine said: "The board have been talking about prices but we want to include the fans' views."

Quakers provided the cheapest football in the league last season, a distinction which looks set to continue in the new campaign.