YORK City striker Lev Yalcin has not signed for Darlington on loan contrary to reports from the North East.

It had been believed that Yalcin's temporary switch would pave the way for David McGurk's loan move in the opposite direction.

Minstermen boss Chris Brass has brought in McGurk for one month because of a hip injury to skipper Steve Davis.

City player-manager Chros Brass said: "Darlington are interested in Lev Yalcin but I want him to stay here at this moment in time."

Darlington have eased their striker crisis with the recent signings of former Premiership duo Craig Hignett and Alun Armstrong.

Middlesbrough-born McGurk, 21, has made 50 appearances for Darlington and scored four goals. The 6ft defender played 31 league and cup games last season and was also sent off twice.

He made his debut at the age of 19 in 2001 but has played no part in the Quakers' 2004/2005 campaign because of a back injury.

Yalcin, who has also had his injury problems, has only made five City starts since his first-team debut two years ago, but is still looking for his first senior goal in 25 Minstermen appearances.

Updated: 12:02 Thursday, September 16, 2004