THE return of Louis Thompson to the County Ground on loan proved to be the only incoming for Swindon Town on transfer deadline day yesterday.

The 21-year-old joined, for what is his third loan spell since joining Norwich City on deadline day back in September 2014, until the end of the season.

Meanwhile, striker Michael Smith got his anticipated move away from Wiltshire as he joined League Two outfit Portsmouth on a 93-day loan.

Yesterday started with anticipation for what could have been a busy day in the transfer market, but all movement appeared to hinge around the future of Iraqi midfielder Yaser Kasim.

Swindon chairman Lee Power had said that both West Ham and Swansea had shown ‘heavy interest’ in the 24-year-old, with speculation over the Welsh side putting together a bid in the region of £1 million to secure his services.

However, despite Swansea being on the hunt for a midfielder they opted to go for Queens Park Rangers midfielder Leroy Fer instead, scuppering any plans to take Kasim to the Liberty Stadium.

Swindon had earlier missed out on the chance to sign Exeter striker Tom Nichols, who decided to put pen to paper on a deal with fellow League One side Peterborough United.

The move, an undisclosed fee, had been reported as £250,000, moving up to £400,000 with add-ons, but Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony took to social network site Twitter to suggest the figure was more than that, with the Adver understanding a fee in excess of £500,000 was agreed.

Jack Stephens was also the subject of much interest from Swindon during the January window, with Power stating earlier in the month that they were competing with two Championship sides to secure the 22-year-old’s signature.

When Southampton boss Ronald Koeman said in a morning press conference that Stephens could be departing St Mary’s many Town fans would have pricked their ears, only to find out at the 11th hour that he joined League One rivals Coventry City until the end of the season.

Sky Blues boss Tony Mowbray was delighted with the late business and had been impressed with the defenders stint at the County Ground.

“During his time at Swindon, Stephens was a crucial element of a successful side and I’m hopeful he’ll be able to repeat that form during his time with us,” he said.

“It was important we bolstered our defensive options for the remaining months of the season as we look to continue our promotion push.”

Meanwhile, Town were unable to come to an agreement with Liverpool to make Lawrence Vigouroux’s stay a permanent one, while a move for Sean Hoare never materialised before the window shut, despite reports in Ireland suggesting Town were looking at pushing through a late deal for the St Patrick’s Athletic defender.

Swindon Town would not indicate whether Thompson would be available for tonight’s trip to Port Vale when asked by the Adver but Luke Williams said: "We're speaking regularly with the medical staff at Norwich and with Louis himself to make sure his return is managed appropriately and we don't put the boy at risk.”

The emergency loan window will open next Monday and will stay open until Thursday, March 24.