CHARLIE Austin is just hours away from a Town exit with a minimum of four clubs in the race for his signature.

Blackpool, Burnley and Southampton are understood to have lodged bids for the in-demand front man while an unnamed Championship club have also registered their interest.

Referring to the bidding war surrounding the youngster, Town director Jeremy Wray told the Advertiser last night: “It could come to a conclusion in the next 24 hours.

“We will hold out for the best bid for Swindon Town and for Charlie Austin.”

The 21-year-old, valued at nearly £2million by Town, has been the subject of admiring glances for some considerable time since jumping up the football ladder from non-league Poole in October 2009.

Championship outfits Millwall and Hull have both had offers repelled by the Town hierarchy before this latest round of bidding gathered pace.

Austin bagged 20 goals in his debut season for the County Ground club as they went all the way to the League One play-off final at Wembley.

Despite suffering a dislocated shoulder in September last year, Austin has managed 17 goals so far this campaign.

Southampton boss Nigel Adkins and Derby manager Nigel Clough were in attendance to watch the striker on Tuesday night, as Town were held to a 0-0 stalemate by visitors Tranmere, a game in which Austin saw his spot kick saved by stopper Tony Warner.

  • TOWN are poised to complete a permanent deal for a young centre-back today.

Boss Danny Wilson had voiced his intent to bring in new blood to bolster the Swindon rearguard, and the club have agreed a contract with a defender.

The unnamed Robins target is expected to sign a deal, subject a medical that is due to take place this morning.

Wilson was highly critical of the display of his defence following the 3-1 defeat to Bristol Rovers on Saturday, but praised the effort that led to the clean sheet against Tranmere on Tuesday.