SWINDON Town attacker Scott Twine has rejected a new contract at the County Ground and will join League One side Milton Keynes Dons on July 1.

The 21-year-old forward had been of interest to several clubs higher up the pyramid including Portsmouth, Luton Town, Barnsley, and Queens Park Rangers but opted to join Russell Martin's men on a "long-term deal" instead.

With Twine being an out-of-contract player under the age of 24, Town will be due compensation for their former star, and the County Ground outfit says it is in talks with MK over an "appropriate settlement".

Twine had previously dismissed any potential transfer talk by stating he saw no reason why he could not make the step down with his home town club and play more games in League Two.

The attacker had already featured in the fourth tier previously during a short loan spell at Newport County at the start of last year.

But after being recalled to help Town's fight against relegation, Twine ended his breakout season with 14 goals and nine assists from his 49 appearances.

The 21-year-old had been with Swindon since the age of 12, and after graduating from under the watchful eye of Alan McLoughlin in the club's academy set-up, Twine signed professional terms in March 2017.

Twine then made his senior debut late on in the 2016/17 season as a second-half substitute in a League One fixture with Charlton Athletic before going on to enjoy loan spells with non-league Chippenham Town as well as League of Ireland Premier Division outfit, Waterford.

In a statement from Swindon Town, Twine's former outfit said: "The club has enjoyed seeing Scott's development and we wish him the very best in what we hope is a long and successful career."

Speaking to his new club, Twine said: “I'm over the moon. I'm an MK Dons player and I couldn't be happier.

“There were a few clubs interested but after I spoke to the gaffer, he sold it to me. From that day, I couldn't wait to sign and get it sorted.

“I wanted to come here and play football the way we do, and I want to bring lots of goals and assists.

“This is a club that is only going in one direction and that's up. The stadium is state of the art and to think I'm going to be playing here every week – I just can't wait!”