JUNIOR AGOGO'S hunger to join Swindon Town could yet help Andy King land a striker who is currently priced out of his reach.

Town have made an undisclosed offer to Conference side Barnet for the pacy 23-year-old forward, but the Underhill club will not play ball unless they receive the 'market value' for the former Sheffield Wednesday man.

Agogo has scored 19 goals this season but has told Barnet boss Martin Allen that he wants to quit.

King said: "I have contacted Barnet about Agogo, and they are telling me that the offer I have made is not good enough.

"However, there are two things working in our favour in this situation.

"The boy wants to progress, get back into the Football League and, most importantly, he wants to play for Swindon Town.

"Barnet have said 'no' but the boy wishes to leave and the deal is not dead.

"I haven't spoken to the lad himself yet. The ball is in Barnet's court. If they want to sell then I am in the market for him.

"What I should add is that we can only do business if they are prepared to talk within my price range, not theirs."

It seems the purse may be loosened just a fraction, particularly with the possibility of winning promotion from eighth spot next season.

King said: "I have suggested to the board that if there is a small amount of funds available, we go in for a striker.

"With two extra play-off places available, we should be one of those sides to benefit and to challenge.

"However, talk is one thing. You need the players to back it up."

But while King waits to hear from Barnet, there is still the small matter of today's visit to Oldham .

The only change from Wednesday's win over Plymouth is likely to be the return of skipper Andy Gurney after suspension.

Ian Herring is likely to drop out but having been told he will be offered a professional deal, it is not a case of being 'punished'.

King said: "I have seen enough from Spud to tell me what I need to know. But Gurney will probably come back into the reckoning.

"Oldham is a difficult game but a game I want to win. I said 60 points was the target and it is within reach."

Craig Farr continues in goal, and King said: "A final decision has yet to be made with Craig. He has a difficult second game to follow his debut, as did Spud, so let's see what happens."

Michael Eckersley will be given a run-out in the reserves at Portsmouth next week, while King is poised to bring in another, as yet unnamed, youngster from Bolton Wanderers.