Saints are set to turn their attention to Peterborough striker Craig Mackail-Smith after Charlie Austin snubbed a move to St Mary’s.
The former Poole Town man looks set to seal a £1.5m switch to Championship side Ipswich, turning down Saints, Blackpool and Burnley.
Austin has caused quite a stir since his move from the Sydenhams Wessex League in October 2009.
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He netted 20 goals in his debut season and 17 already in this campaign, despite suffering a dislocated shoulder when playing against Saints in August.
Saints were understood to have been prepared to match Ipswich’s bid but the prospect of staying in League One was obviously not appealing to Austin, who was watched from the stands by Nigel Adkins on Tuesday night.
On that occasion Austin missed a penalty in Swindon’s 0-0 draw with Tranmere.
Now Saints are expected to firm up their interest in Mackail-Smith.
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