Swindon Town have confirmed that they have given the Blues permission to speak to striker Sam Parkin. TWTD reported earlier today that Town and Watford had been allowed to hold talks with the 24-year-old former Chelsea trainee.

Robins chief executive Sandy Gray said tonight: "We have received several bids for Sam and providing these offers meet our expectations, we will not stand in his way.

"Sam has been a tremendous servant to this football club but he declined the chance to extend his contract so the key thing now is to make sure we get the best deal for Swindon Town FC."

Parkin's Swindon contract, which has a year left to run, has a clause which automatically entitles him to speak to clubs making a bid above a certain level, thought to be £500,000.

Aside from Town, Norwich, Brighton and Crewe are all reported to be interested in the Roehampton-born frontman, although the latter two are thought to have dropped out of the running.

Town could make their first signing of the summer later this week with former Reading striker Nicky Forster close to agreeing a two-year contract.

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