Shrewsbury Town’s drawn out pursuit of Macclesfield midfielder Terry Dunfield took another twist today – as the player failed to agree terms.Town had appeared to be in deadlock with the Silkmen over a transfer fee for the 26-year-old, but this morning revealed a “nominal” bid had been accepted.

But hopes of having him in the squad for tomorrow’s clash with Darlington at the Prostar Stadium appear to have been dashed after talks between the former Bury man and Shrewsbury boss Paul Simpson ended without a deal being concluded.

“We had a nominal fee for the player accepted by Macclesfield Town,” Simpson confirmed.

“I then spoke to the player about a move to the club but we were unable to agree terms. As it stands at the moment, there is nothing happening with this.”

The Town chief now appears unlikely to add to his squad before tomorrow’s clash with the Quakers, but he remains eager to add to his midfield options.

That has become a priority area, especially since news broke earlier this week that Kevin McIntyre, a virtual ever-present this season, had suffered a double fracture of his leg.

Meanwhile, Simpson has told his side to be ready for a tough battle tomorrow as they look to propel themselves back into the play-off places.

“Darlington are a really physical, hard-working side and it will be a right tough test of character and a test of our ability,” he said.

“But we believe we have good players here. What we have got to do is turn the fairly decent performances and draws that we are getting into wins.

“We are very, very close, but unfortunately that also sometimes seems very, very far away as well.”

Town are currently down in ninth place in League Two but are looking to record their 10th home win from 13 outings.

They will have to do without top scorer Grant Holt again, who completes his two-match suspension for notching up 10 yellow cards.

New signing Nick Chadwick could be in line for his first start in attack having scored for the reserves in their 2-0 win against Mansfield Town on Wednesday afternoon.

By Chris Hudson