SWINDON Town are reportedly in advanced talks to sign former Middlesbrough defender Sol Bamba on a free transfer.

Bamba was released by the Teeside club recently but is thought to want to continue playing for at least another season.

According to multiple sources, the 37-year-old has been offered a multi-year player-coach contract and is close to joining Swindon.

The experienced defender has reportedly been approached by Championship sides Blackpool and Preston North End - as well as League One Charlton Athletic - over a contract in recent months, but Bamba's desire to begin coaching soon is thought to have tipped a deal Swindon's way.

However, the pen is not yet in Bamba's hand and the defender is said to have at least one other offer on the table which he is seriously considering.

Speaking to TalkSPORT recently, Bamba discussed his future plans and where he sees himself over the next five years.

He said: “Management is what I’m looking to do. I haven’t officially retired yet and I have a few options here and there.

"But I am looking at the next ten to 15 years whereas if I do play it will probably be for another year or two if I’m lucky.

"I’ve got to think more long-term for my future too. I’m not pretending that because I’ve played the game for 15-20 years I know everything there is to know about the game, so I want to learn and I am happy to be a number two or a number three or whatever, and then eventually when I feel ready I can be a manager.

"I want to learn the trade, but I also don’t want to start right at the bottom because any good chef needs a good kitchen and good ingredients to be successful. I’m not going to say I need or deserve a Premier League club. I’m realistic."

Bamba - who recently and successfully returned from a six-month battle with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma - began his career with current French champions Paris Saint Germain before going on to experience spells at a handful of European clubs including Palermo, Trabzonspor, and Leeds United, among others.

The 37-year-old featured 30 times for Middlesbrough last season, helping to keep 10 clean sheets in all competitions.