SWINDON Town have stepped up their search for a new striker by actively pursuing Robins old boy Leon Clarke and Bournemouth frontman Wes Thomas.

The Advertiser understands the Town have made enquiries regarding the possibility of bringing Clarke back to the club he left in acrimonious circumstances in 2011.

The former QPR man, who was sent packing from the County Ground by ex-boss Paolo Di Canio, is currently at divided Coventry – who were recently deducted 10 points by the Football League and appear to be on the brink of liquidation.

Clarke played four games for Swindon prior to a move to Charlton two years ago. He has represented 14 clubs in a career spanning just over a decade, scoring 76 goals in almost 300 professional appearances.

Meanwhile, the Adver understands Town have made a tentative approach to Bournemouth regarding the potential availability of Thomas.

The fleet-footed forward, who spent time out on loan at Birmingham, Blackpool and Portsmouth last season, was man of the match for the Cherries in their opening-day Championship win over Charlton.

On Tuesday, Swindon chairman Jed McCrory revealed to the Advertiser that the Robins have opened discussions with “three or four strikers” over a possible switch to Wiltshire.

“We definitely want to bring one in but if we can we’ll bring two in,” he said.

“We’re always looking to strengthen the squad and we’ve opened up discussions with three or four players to hopefully add one or two to the squad and continue from what we did at Peterborough.”

Meanwhile, winger Luke Rooney has joined Crawley on loan until January.

The Advertiser revealed the Red Devils’ interest in the former Gillingham man back in June and, after spending two weeks training with the Sussex club, Rooney has now made the move to the Broadfield Stadium.