DIAMONDS EYE HALL AS TRIALISTS JOIN

RUSHDEN & DIAMONDS are expected to complete the signing of Walsall midfielder Paul Hall within the next 48 hours.

The right winger recently turned down a loan move to Port Vale, although it is believed that the lure of a permanent deal will prove decisive as manager Brian Talbot continues to desperately scour the market for new signings.

Meanwhile, Talbot has also offered former French Under-21 international Stephane Leoni the opportunity to resurrect his career following a bizarre accident.

The former Metz right back spent five months out of the game after sustaining serious injuries following an accident which saw him fall through a glass door.

Leoni, 25, who also enjoyed two years with Bristol Rovers, spent last season with Scottish side Dundee United, although he is keen to re-establish himself in England.

"Metz is a big club in France, but already had three right backs on their books and therefore I preferred to try and establish myself again in English football after my freak accident," he remarked.

Chesterfield also expressed an interest in signing Leoni during the summer, although manager Nicky Law pulled out of the deal at the eleventh hour.

The Frenchman is joined on trial at Nene Park by former St Mirren striker Junior Mendes (pictured).

The striker was linked with a move to Wolves last year, and he will be hoping to impress the Diamonds coaching staff after recently completing a trial spell with Plymouth Argyle.

Mendes, who has also had spells with Carlisle and Dunfermiline, was recently released by The Pars after failing to score in his 13 appearances for them following his £20,000 transfer from The Saints.