SWINDON striker Billy Bodin is close to finalising his proposed switch to Torquay as the two clubs are near to agreeing a fee for the 20-year-old, the Advertiser understands.

Bodin, who enjoyed a spell on loan at Plainmoor last term, has been on Gulls manager Martin Ling’s wish-list for some time and Ling is believed to have submitted several bids for his services during the off-season.

An offer of around £40,000 is understood to have been turned down by Town around 10 days ago, but the Adver has learnt that the two clubs are close to settling for a fee in the region of £70,000.

Bodin, who has interested several clubs across League One and League Two this summer, appears to be surplus to Swindon manager Paolo Di Canio’s plans for the coming campaign – despite having been offered a new deal with the Robins.

The Welshman did not travel to Italy with the rest of the first-team squad on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Town began their pre-season tour of Italy yesterday.

The team flew to Verona from Gatwick before transferring to their hotel on the edge of Lake Garda.

The Robins will spend a fortnight in Di Canio’s native country and play two matches – one on Thursday of this week and the other next Wednesday.