NEWPORT County have made a permanent offer for Swindon Town attacker Scott Twine, according to the South Wales Argus.

After seeing their star loanee recalled from a season-long loan early by Town, Newport acted quickly to send a transfer offer back to the County Ground in the hopes of maintaining the momentum the Exiles generated while Twine was at Rodney Parade.

Mike Flynn's men soared to the top of League Two with the help of Town's talented youngster before being dealt a devastating blow last week when John Sheridan announced Twine would be coming back to the County Ground.

Reports emerged on Monday that Twine was not happy about a return to Wiltshire, especially given his sparkling form under Flynn, while stories emerged of potential interest in Twine's services from a handful of Championship clubs too.

Twine's Town contract runs out at the end of the 2020-21 season anyway, so Swindon will now have to decide whether to offer their young prodigy and new deal at the County Ground or cash in while they still can.

In 24 appearances for Newport, Twine scored seven times – including goal of the season contenders against Cambridge United, Colchester United and Oldham Athletic – while providing seven assists.

Comfortable in a midfield three or behind the striker, Twine is reported to have provided a creative spark along with influential playmaker Josh Sheehan.

Speaking to the South Wales Argus at the weekend, Flynn said: “Scott was excellent, a breath of fresh air. He is a great lad and a very good player.

“I am glad we have been part of his development because I do think that he will go on to play at a higher level.”

Swindon manager John Sheridan, who was briefly in charge of Newport during the 2015-16 campaign, said that Twine would have to fight for a spot in his side after returning to the County Ground.

Speaking to Adver Sport on new year's day, Sheridan said: "He's done well, and he's scored one or two goals. He's a bit different to what we've got, and he's another body.

"He went to Newport on loan, and full credit to them and Mike Flynn, they got something out of him, and he's playing on a regular basis.

"He's going to come back here now and compete for a place in the side. I wouldn't bring him back for him to think he's going straight back in the side.

"He's Swindon's player, but he's coming back to compete and fight for a place in the side."