Former Darlington striker John Campbell could be in line to play at Wembley after joining FA Trophy semi-finalists at Torquay United on loan from Oxford United in the latest instalment of a transfer saga.

He joined Oxford from Jarrow Roofing in November, when it was thought the move was a loan.

However, the Football Association have now confirmed that it was a permanent deal and that Jarrow no longer hold his registration.

There was more confusion last month after it appeared Campbell was to return to Jarrow, but he was always Oxford’s player having signed a two-year deal, but it is understood that the player could yet return to the North-East non-league club if the Us choose to release him this summer.

A deadline for a transfer fee is set in a contract between the clubs with a transfer back to Roofing in place if the fee is not met.

Campbell has made three appearances for Oxford, scoring once, but will finish the campaign in the Conference with Torquay where he will team up with former Darlington team-mate Ryan Bowman.

He could make his Gulls debut this weekend when they face Wrexham in the first leg of the Trophy semi-finals.

Torquay manager Chris Hargreaves said: “I am delighted to have John on board and it gives us a different option in the attacking department.

“We have an excellent group here at the club and any player coming in will fit in with our ethos. It shows how we are moving forward as a football club in recent weeks and I’m looking forward to seeing John in action.”

Campbell was in the Darlington team that won the FA Trophy at Wembley in May 2011.