ANDY KING was hoping to clinch the signing of a new striker today after Town agreed a fee with the forward's present employer.

Speculation is rife about the player's identity although it is believed he is currently plying his trade with a northern club.

The club are anxious that the name remains officially under wraps for as long as possible, for fear of another team swooping in today to steal him away a distinct possibility with strikers at a premium.

The Town boss said: "A fee has been agreed. I am hoping to speak to the lad today.

"Obviously the issue of personal terms comes into it.

"If they can't be sorted out, then it will scupper any move. Agents of course come into it. No deal is concrete until you've dealt with them."

If the striker in question agrees to switch to Wiltshire, it will provide King with vital competition for Sam Parkin and Tommy Mooney neither of whom are fully fit.

And King has made it clear to Brian Howard that he is very much part of his plans.

The youngster, picked out by the Town boss as his star performer in Saturday's 4-1 FA Cup defeat at Wycombe Wanderers, may find that rejecting international duty is the price to be paid for first team football at the County Ground.

England's Under 20 side are due to face Wales at Stoke on Friday but Howard is expected to pull out in favour of a trip to Oldham 24 hours later.

A difficult dilemma is facing the 20-year-old however. The England squad for the under 20 world championships will be announced after the Wales clash and Howard's name is almost certain to be on the list.

He must then decide whether to put club before country or vice-versa.

Howard said: "The gaffer has told me he doesn't want me to go to Stoke as he wants me involved at Oldham the next day. Swindon Town pay my wages. On the other hand it is a fantastic honour to represent your country in a world cup."