A SOURCE claiming that goalkeeper Nikolay Krastev has been treated unethically by Swindon Town has told the Adver how a contract was agreed to and signed by the Bulgarian on July 4.

Town claim they have not yet received international clearance from the Bulgarian FA – a requirement that takes 28 days to complete - which would allow the 22-year-old to officially sign.

We understand Krastev penned a one-year deal – with the option of a one-year extension - at the start of this month, the same time Michael Doughty put pen-to-paper on a two-year contract extension.

The club added that it does not consider itself to be in the position to wait further for confirmation of Krastev’s international clearance.

But our source has said that the club has reneged on Krastev’s contract – adding that the Bulgarian has been treated unethically by club officials.

Our source also said international clearance would have been obtained from the Bulgarian FA prior to Town’s opening League Two fixture of the season at Scunthorpe on Saturday, August 3, due to its 28-day window.

Our source said: “The contract was signed. Nikolay (Krastev) signed with his agent on July 4.

“Paperwork was sent to the FA – and it takes 28 days for the paperwork for international clearance to come through, that’s a formality.

“What they have done to Nikolay is not good - it’s totally unethical. Nikolay wasn’t a trialist, he was a signed player.

“His accommodation on the first six days of his trial was paid for internally.

“When he became a player the club took over.”