Town appear to be getting closer to completing the signing of Swindon striker Charlie Austin. The Robins have accepted a bid believed to be somewhere between £1.5 million and the £2 million figure originally targeted by League One club, presumably including various clauses. The Blues have been given permission to discuss personal terms with the former Poole frontman and we understand talks are currently taking place.

Burnley, Blackpool and Southampton are understood to have made offers for the 21-year-old with some reports claiming they have also been given permission to talk to the player, Austin having handed in a transfer request last week much to manager Danny Wilson's annoyance.

But Town continue to look very much in the driving seat and are understood to have offered the player a three-and-a-half-year deal at Portman Road.

Austin was not expected to train with the Robins today with Swindon director Jeremy Wray anticipating that the striker's exit would be confirmed in the near future: “It could come to a conclusion in the next 24 hours. We will hold out for the best bid for Swindon Town and for Charlie Austin.”

The Blues were previously linked with the £2 million-rated frontman in December 2009 soon after the former bricklayer’s emergence from non-league.

Austin was with Reading’s youth set-up as a schoolboy but dropped out of the professional game, playing with Thatcham Town and hometown side Hungerford Town before joining Wessex League Premier Division club Poole Town in 2008/09.

The 6ft 2in tall striker scored a hugely impressive 46 goals in 46 starts and two sub appearances as the Dolphins won their league by 17 points and also picked up the Dorset Senior Cup.

In the summer of 2009, Austin spent time training with Bournemouth but was unable to join the League Two side due to their transfer embargo. Instead, he signed for Swindon until the end of the 2009/10 season for an undisclosed fee in early October, having already netted 18 goals in 11 appearances for Poole, who remained in the same division despite winning the previous season’s championship.

Austin, who subsequently extended his contract until 2012, netted a further 20 goals for Swindon in his first season in professional football, helping them into the League One play-off final where they were beaten by Millwall.

This season he has continued in a similar vein, scoring 17 times and taking his overall record with Swindon to 58 starts, seven sub appearances and 37 goals.

Town chief executive Simon Clegg was spotted at Playford Road this morning, presumably to meet with manager Paul Jewell regarding the Austin deal and Jimmy Bullard's loan switch from Hull, which was confirmed this morning.

Meanwhile, we understand there is nothing in this morning's reports linking Jason Scotland with a return to his former club Swansea.

Photo: Action Images

joshuanelli added 13:54 - Jan 27 KEEP THESE STORIES COMING PHIL !!!!
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bluelady added 13:54 - Jan 27 ohhh this is sooo exciting, any idea when this is likely to be announced if it comes off? If we have already offered him a 3.5 year deal surely its imminent if he is going to sign?
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Town_Boy added 13:54 - Jan 27 That's what we like to hear!
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HealysBackPocket added 13:56 - Jan 27 GET HIM SIGNED UP! The excitement is kind of killing me. :)
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KangarooBlue added 13:57 - Jan 27 Now for a left back, Drury and a central defender to cover GMac if he doesn't sign a new contract
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BlooooCD added 13:57 - Jan 27 COME ON YOU BLOOOOOOOOOOOOOO'S..... This is the most exciting news/player for ages linked with us. He's not over the hill, not irish and not from Sunderland! What a difference a Jewell makes - Every club should have one!!! Blooooooooooooooooo Army!
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Town22 added 13:57 - Jan 27 Fingers Crossed! I think we're all used to missing out on transfer targets since SC has been at the club. Hopefully he's learnt how to close a deal now.
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Back_The_Boss added 13:58 - Jan 27 Excellent news if true, COYB!
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BurleyForever added 13:58 - Jan 27 Are we still going for the Luton MF??
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Keaneish added 13:59 - Jan 27 Perfect. Watched him play a few times always a threat. Shaping up nicely Big Fat Paul. Norris and McAuley...SIGN THOSE Contracts and i'll be delighted!
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Tillz9 added 14:00 - Jan 27 I really hope this on comes off. Have been wanting us to gp for him for a year now. Refreshing to be linked with a young exciting payer. Lets get it done quick and announced so I can stop checking here every 10 mins !!!
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rob_flecks_waistline added 14:01 - Jan 27 Pumped about this signing...would rather an ambitious young player from lower leagues, although not proven at our level, then a prem player dropping down..
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bluelady added 14:01 - Jan 27 apparantly it was last night Swindon announced that a deal could be concluded within 24 hours, so really anytime now..........! cant keep everything crossed much longer i look a bit wierd !
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gypo added 14:04 - Jan 27 I can't control myself get me a tissue please !!!
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leagueonescum added 14:04 - Jan 27 Finally, I think my beloved Ipswich have good times ahead! Big fat Paul Jewell in and Jimmy Bullard AND... fingers crossed: Charlie Austin (watch this space!). Poor players are on their way out. Not that I think a premier league club would copy us? We sacked a Roy, Hired a scouse and put a successful bid in for a Charlie but we did it all first!
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Seasonticketsteve added 14:05 - Jan 27 Exciting times, to think if they live up to their potential we could have one of the best forward lines in the country in Austin & Wickham!
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hucks216 added 14:06 - Jan 27 Isn't it great when the last week of the transfer window doesn't bring fear of who we might settle for in the last minutes?!! : )
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truckertractorboy added 14:09 - Jan 27 I hope this is done soon got loads to b getting on with but can't stay off here waiting. What a good signing he would b
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bluearmy78 added 14:14 - Jan 27 Absolutely loving this!!! If we get Austin we will be definately going places. Jewell has got an eye for a decent player and if he can pull this one off it clearly shows his intentions. Hopefully Norris and McCauley will realise that Town are on the up and commit to new contracts. Keeping Scotland will still be good for the club, there is nothing better than competition for places. COYB!!!!

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itfc1981 added 14:15 - Jan 27 COYB! Jewell I Love ya!
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ipswichtillidie added 14:15 - Jan 27 hope this one goes thru... As we all do,,,, :) waiting.... tick tock,,, tick tock,,,,,
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ericgatesrules added 14:17 - Jan 27 I can't resist posting my first comment. Great talent and huge potential. A young hungry forward line is mouth-watering. Please hurry up with official announcement as I am trying to watch The Guns of Navarone and keep having to rewind as I am checking every 5 mins! COYB
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bluekraut added 14:20 - Jan 27 Goals that's what we need. This lad could give us them!! COYBs
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BlueMoolay added 14:20 - Jan 27 Nice one Jewell......I sense good times ahead. Cooooome ooooooon Town..!!!
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Super_Hero added 14:21 - Jan 27 All together now.... BIG FAT PAUL'S BLUE AND WHITE ARMY!
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