League One sides are once again pursuing Swindon Town‘s Aaron Drinan this summer following a January window bidding war.
The Irishman, who ended the season as the fourth tier’s Golden Boot winner with 22 goals, faced intense interest from Salford City, who tabled multiple six-figure bids to try and tempt the forward to Moor Lane on deadline day.
Interest Returns For Drinan
Burton Albion were also tipped with a move for Drinan at the turn of the year, but ultimately the 28-year-old remained at the County Ground in their bid to secure promotion, which were scuppered by a poor end to the season.
Now, according to the Swindon Advertiser, unnamed League One sides are interested in signing the former Leyton Orient man as part of their own recruitment plans.
Ian Holloway has previously turned down any notion of about selling his best players, having also done so at the start of the season with interest in Harry Smith, but had acknowledged that should a large bid come in, then it would be Drinan’s decision as to whether he remains in Wiltshire.
Continuity Key For Town Future
Swindon Town have undergone a major clearout following the publication of their retained list, and with Ian Holloway planning to operate with a much smaller playing squad, keeping their leading figures will be crucial to their fortunes going forward.
Aaron Drinan is the most important man for the Robins, with his goal output being difficult to replace and with Harry Smith still on the road to recovery after a serious injury, there is little depth within the squad right now.
However, should teams table good offers for the forward, then it will be hard for the club to pass up what will be a great payday, which can be used to reinvest in some top League Two or National League players.
Will Ammies Return For Target?
Salford City may fancy themselves to make another move for Aaron Drinan, especially if they were able to overcome Notts County and put themselves into League One for the first time in their history.
Their highest bid for the 28-year-old was reportedly £400,000 in January, but with them being stifled in that pursuit, they quickly changed gears and signed Ryan Graydon from Fleetwood Town.
With none of Karl Robinson’s options up front reaching double figures while at the club last season, having an effective forward presence will be crucial to their ambitions next season, whether that be staying up in League One or finally putting themselves into the automatic promotion places.
However, given Swindon’s anger at their perception of Salford’s conduct in submitting two late-window bids to try and unsettle Drinan, they may find themselves in a much more difficult climate to negotiate with the Robins.
