Boss Jim Magilton has revealed that Falkirk are interested in signing Darryl Knights on a permanent basis, not a loan as previously understood. Knights, 18, went on trial at the SPL club at the end of last year and impressed Bairns boss John Hughes.

Magilton told the club site: "Darryl is back with us now after being at Falkirk for a little while.

"He did very well up there and they are keen on taking him on a permanent deal.

"We wouldn't stand in his way because the next step for the lad is to start playing regular first team football."

Falkirk's interest in signing Knights is understood to depend on whether they keep loanee Anthony Stokes for the second half of the season. The Arsenal youngster is expected to move on to a Premiership club or to Celtic and Falkirk will look to Knights to replace him.

The Ipswich-born striker, contracted to the Blues until June, has made one senior appearance for Town, coming on as a sub in the 2-0 defeat at Sunderland in 2004. Knights was a member of Bryan Klug's 2005 FA Youth Cup-winning side.

Town are likely to ask a small fee for the Academy product and would also want to include a sell-on clause in a deal.

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