York City's bid to pull themselves out of the quagmire at the bottom of the Third Division could suffer a hammer blow by news Darlington are closing in on Michael Proctor.

There were strong suggestions in December, after York had played Darlington, that the Quakers boss Tommy Taylor had set his heart on bringing the on-loan Sunderland striker back to his native north east.

But, after talk of a move for the player was initially denied, the Evening Press is now led to believe a deal is close to be brokered between Sunderland and Darlington.

Taylor, a long-time admirer of the player, met his Sunderland counterpart Peter Reid on Friday to discuss a deal to take the 21-year-old to Feethams.

Sunderland today refused to comment on any speculation surrounding the player, but Darlo assistant-boss Mick Tait confirmed the talks had taken place and admitted Proctor was top of their shopping list.

He told the Evening Press: "We have registered an interested in Michael, but I don't think we would be doing our jobs correctly if we hadn't. You have to admit he is a decent player.

"We've made a few inquiries, but nothing is definite, it is not that simple these days. We don't know whether the player wants to move and when agents are involved we don't know what he will advise him to do.

"We did speak to Peter Reid to see exactly what Sunderland would want for him.

"I can't see anything happening just yet, it depends on the agent advising the player. We do hope to meet with his agent soon.

"We're not denying we are after a striker and we're not denying Michael is top of our list."

Darlington chairman George Reynolds is another fan of the eight-goal hit-man, and having received a £60,000 windfall from the transfer of old boy Robbie Blake from Bradford City to Burnley, is set to release the funds to bring in Proctor before the summer.

However, while Darlington seem set on the deal, York City and Proctor himself have yet to hear anything about the proposed transfer.

Proctor told the Evening Press: "I've not spoken to anyone about this, I'm not sure exactly what the rumours are.

"I heard a couple of weeks ago Darlington were interested but that was it, but I'm just trying to concentrate on helping York City.

"You just try and not let these rumours affect you and I'm just going to get on with doing my job at York City."

City boss Terry Dolan also said he had heard nothing about the proposed bid for the player.

If Proctor does leave before the end of the season, it would come as a huge blow to the Minstermen.

The pacy forward has been a revelation since arriving at Bootham Crescent on-loan, forming an effective understanding alongside the much-travelled former Welsh international Lee Nogan.

And the partnership between Nogan and Proctor, who received glowing praise from legendary ex-City star Keith Houchen after the FA Cup defeat by Fulham, will be vital in seeing City avoid the drop to Conference football.

Updated: 11:49 Tuesday, January 29, 2002