By Martin Walker in the Lakes

Mark Cooper is hoping to tie up the signing of experienced defender Kevin Austin by the end of the week.

The 37-year-old, released by League Two side Chesterfield this summer, played in Darlington's 3-0 win at Workington last night.

And Cooper is hoping to do a deal with the ex-Swansea defender by the end of the week.

"He was outstanding against Workington," said Cooper.

"We will spend the next couple of days with him in the Lakes and hopefully by the end of the week we will get to do something.

"He's a big dominant defender who has a good left foot. We know he can play in a couple of positions.

"He has an offer from Barrow. He has been there for a couple for weeks and he wants to look at us and we'll see what happens."