CHAIRMAN Lee Power insists that Swindon Town will not be selling striker Jonathan Obika this summer.

The 25-year-old, who has found the net 22 times in 54 appearances during nearly two years at the County Ground, turned down the offer of a new contract at the end of last term but Power says that Town will not be cashing in.

Obika joined Town on an initial two-year deal in September 2014 and in May, the club activated their option to extend the former Tottenham Hotspur trainee’s terms by an extra 12 months, meaning that his contract will expire in July 2017.

However, County Ground chairman Power claims that Obika will not be sold this summer as his club continue their preparations for the 2016-17 League One season.

“It's unfortunate Jon doesn't want to sign a new deal. That doesn't make him a criminal,” Power told BBC Wiltshire.

“He's got to look after his family.

“We won't be selling any more – up front, anyway. Jon is going to play a pivotal part this year. We've got high hopes for Jon.

“I sat down with him and we both said next season is a big season for him and for us. Hopefully his goals will get us into the play-offs or even promotion.”

Last month, Town sold last season’s top-scorer Nicky Ajose to Charlton Athletic.

Meanwhile, Power also revealed that he hopes Yaser Kasim will stay with Town this term – along with Obika – and is planning to speak to the Iraq international, 25, about his future at the County Ground.

"I'll have a chat with (Kasim) and it might be a similar conversation as with John,” said the Swindon chairman.

"Sometimes (for) a club, when you sell them a year early; and financially, we have to do that to keep things ticking along, to bring some money into the pot to try and keep the budget as respectable as it can be.

"We haven’t had the interest that we thought we’d have in Yaser.

"He’s a different kettle of fish and it might be (that) the conversation is the same as (with) Jon. He needs to have a big season for him.

“If he does leave, the club financially lose out but hopefully, Yaser, (at) the top of his game, Jon Obika, (at) the top of his game, and with the rest of the players we’re trying to bring in; (that) will give us a competitive team."

Yesterday, Town confirmed the signing of free agent Conor Thomas, 22, with the former Coventry City man signing a three-year deal.