DESPITE comments made after Iraq’s defeat to Japan last week, the Advertiser understands Yaser Kasim is not actively seeking a move away from Swindon Town.

Kasim expressed his desire to move on from Swindon having failed to gain promotion with the club last season in a revealing interview with the Japanese press last week.

He said: “I wanted to go to the Championship with them (Swindon) but I couldn’t.

“I think this year, I have to have a new challenge. I would love to take Swindon up, but it’s been two good years and I think I need another challenge.

“I’m open to offers from Europe. I’ll definitely stay in Europe, but it depends on what comes and how well it’s negotiated between the two clubs. But I’m looking to step up - in any country - and I’m looking to go to the next level.”

Kasim is a player known to speak his mind and was permitted limited access to the media last season by Town for his propensity to do so.

However, sources close to the player have revealed that although the Iraq midfielder retains a firm ambition to play at a higher level, and would not pass up the opportunity to do, he also has no designs on forcing the club to make a sale.

Town hold a strong position when it comes to Kasim’s future. The 24-year-old has 12 months left on his current contract, but Swindon retain an option for another year.

The sale of Massimo Luongo and Ben Gladwin for a fee around £3.5million provides a rough guide for potential Kasim suitors on his price, thought to be near the seven-figure mark.

That all means that although there is interest Kasim, the clubs he would be interested in signing for are not in the market for someone with such a hefty price tag.