Swindon

Paul Smith

King sets sights on Paul Smith

The 33-year-old has been made an offer by Andy King, who is expecting to hear back from the player in the next 48 hours.

It follows yesterday's discussions with another experienced midfielder, Wigan's Gareth Whalley, who is due to decide whether or not to join Swindon by the start of next week.

Smith has played more than 600 senior games and is exactly the kind of tough-tackling midfielder that King has been looking for.

King said: "Smith has only missed 12 games in the last 8 years and played all his career at Gillingham and Brentford. He's a strong midfield player. The type of player who the youngsters can aspire to be as good as or better. That's what I need now.

"But if it goes the wrong way it's back to the drawing board and I'll be very disappointed."