ANDREW Fitton has again warned the clubs coveting Town player of the year Simon Cox that only a “very special offer’’ will prise the 32-goal striker away from the County Ground.

Cox looks likely to become the subject of a looming bidding war following Fitton’s confirmation that Town had two fresh offers for the 22-year-old, one from Coca-Cola League One champions Leicester City and the other believed to be from Scottish champions Celtic.

The Championship-bound Foxes look certain to test Town’s resolve again, chairman Milan Mandaric admitting that Cox was high on their list of summer transfer targets.

But Town chairman Fitton confirmed: “The club has had a number of contacts both verbal and in writing from interested parties, but none of those offers have been accepted.

“We’ve had two written offers and it’s true that those weren’t offers that we’d be likely to accept.

“It’s going to take a very special offer to prise Simon Cox away. He’s a class act and comfortably the best striker in the division.

“We have no need to sell him and we have no desire to sell him, but equally it’s part of our job to help develop players and then allow them to move at the agreed time.”

Cox has a year to go on his current contract and the club have not given up hope of persuading him to extend his stay

But the future of the player has been at the centre of months of speculation with manager Danny Wilson admitting that it was “unrealistic’’ not to expect heightened interest in the ex-Reading frontman over the summer.

Last season Cox, who has scored 47 goals in 88 appearances for Swindon, was the subject of a believed £500,000 bid by League One rivals Huddersfield.

Town rejected that out of hand, but Premier League basement boys West Brom, Bolton, Hull City top flight-bound Wolverhampton Wanderers and Championship outfits Queens Park Rangers and Bristol City have also been among his suitors.

Celtic meanwhile, are also thought to be interested in Cox's teammate, teenage defender Sean Morrison.

Leicester though have made plain their interest, Mandaric saying: “He is a quality player and Nigel (Pearson, manager) and his staff think highly of him.

“We are interested but we are facing competition. He is on a shortlist.

“We are at a time when we are approaching that situation and I think we should know more in a few days.”

Meanwhile, Fitton has confirmed that defender Lescinel Jean-Francois has agreed the terms of a new contract, but has not yet signed it. Phil Smith and Craig Easton are still mulling over their offers.