Darlington chase Asprilla work permit

Third Division Darlington will continue their audacious pursuit of former Newcastle striker Faustino Asprilla tomorrow in a bid to have him available for the weekend clash at Kidderminster.

Chairman George Reynolds – the man who has masterminded the bid – has agreed terms with the 32-year-old and must now await a decision from the Home Office concerning a work permit.

Asprilla does not meet the current criteria for a permit, having appeared in only five of his country’s last 14 competitive matches – well below the required figure of 75% over the last two years.

However, the club are optimistic of a positive outcome in light of Middlesbrough’s successful move for Brazilian Juninho.

Darlington director of football Luke Raine said: “It will be a massive signing for the club and the fans.

“We are unable to do anything today because it’s a Bank Holiday but we will start in earnest tomorrow.”

Asprilla cost Newcastle £7.5m (€11.74m) back in February 1996 when Kevin Keegan swooped to add the Parma striker to his squad, but he returned to the Serie A club less than two years later for £6.5m (€10.17) as Keegan’s successor Kenny Dalglish shuffled his pack.

However, his stock has fallen since, and after spells with Brazilian side Palmeiras and Nacional, who recently released him, he is desperate for a way back into the game.