Swindon Town are undertaking negotiations to keep hold of League Two top-scorer Eoin Doyle.
Doyle, who has scored 23 times already this season, is currently on loan from promotion rivals Bradford City. The Bantams are considering activating a recall clause in the loan agreement, according to BBC Sport.
Conversations are ongoing and Alan Nixon has reported that Swindon are willing to increase their financial contribution. A new deal may include a higher wage contribution and fees, plus bonuses.
Swindon. Going hard in for Doyle. Willing to pay more than last time in deal with Bradford. Plus poss bonuses.
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) January 5, 2020
Doyle, who has been dubbed the ‘Ginger Pele’, has spoken of his desire to stay at the County Ground:
“Hopefully, come February, I will still be here.
“I’d be disappointed if I did have to go back. I don’t think I suit them [Bradford], they don’t suit me, and this is where I want to be.”
“It’s a season-long loan, it was made clear to me at the start of the season. I want to be here. I’m not being nasty or anything – I hope Bradford go up as well. I just hope I’m doing it with Swindon and they’re doing it off their own back. The club at the minute is abundant with talent. We’re a very attacking team and that suits me so well,
“With the talent around me, honestly, there’s nothing special about my performances. The lads are so good around me, you’ve got so many players who can find a pass and find me in the box.”
It’s possible that Town may seek to make Doyle’s move permanent, with Robins boss Wellens adding:
“I think it would be a really good fit if we could keep him, not just for this season.
“If we go up to League One, could Eoin Doyle score goals in League One? Absolutely.”
Swindon are next in action on 11 January, against promotion rivals Crewe Alexandra.