TOWN chairman Andrew Fitton insists Simon Cox will only leave the County Ground for a step up the football ladder, after two fresh bids came in for the striker’s services.

Leeds had been rumoured to be interested in the 32-goal striker as a replacement for Jermaine Beckford, who appears to be on his way out of Elland Road after rejecting a new contract.

But Fitton is adamant Cox, pictured above, will not be joining any of their League One rivals and reiterated his stance that any move away from Wiltshire must be good for the player and the club.

The chairman also dismissed previous reports of a bid from Celtic, insisting no written offer had been made by the SPL giants. However, he admitted there had been two further offers on top of Championship side Leicester’s earlier this month.

Wigan, West Brom, Derby and Huddersfield are believed to be tracking the 22-year-old, and Fitton said: “There have been lots of people phoning and asking about Simon but written offers are the only ones that actually matter.

“And there have been three bids in total - one of which was from Leicester. Contrary to popular belief, we never received anything in writing from Celtic.

“As I’ve said many times before, all this is about is whether it is the right time for the club and the player.

“For example, if a bid from a League One club came in then he’s going nowhere, but you would have to consider one from a smaller Premier League side where he’s going to play all the time.

“Believe me though, Simon Cox will not be going to a League One club, because I won’t let him.”

Fitton also poured cold water on whispers that West Ham have begun talks regarding a potential £2million deal for the youngster.

He said: “If I had a pound for everyone who is supposed to be making an offer for Simon Cox...

“The last time I spoke to West Ham was about 15 years ago when I bought a ticket for one of their games against Manchester United. So it is fair to say there has been no contact from them.”

Goalkeeper David Lucas could become Town’s second summer signing as Danny Wilson closes in on the 31-year-old goalkeeper.

Former Preston and Sheffield Wednesday stopper Lucas was released by Leeds earlier this month and is understood to have held talks with Swindon chiefs about a move.

Meanwhile, Town face competition for the capture of Stockport left-back Michael Rose.

Swindon have spoken with the 26-year-old about a switch to the County Ground, but the Advertiser understands Hartlepool have also been in contact with Rose and are hoping to swiftly tie up a deal for the defender.