Parkin training with Swindon

Parkin (right) had a miserable spell at the Cobblers

Striker Sam Parkin will join up with the Swindon squad in Southport next week with a view to moving to the County Ground for the new season.

The 21-year-old Parkin joined Chelsea as a trainee in August 2000 but has yet to break into the Blues' side and is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.

The young forward was loaned out to lower division clubs Millwall, Wycombe, Oldham and spent the whole of last season at Northampton Town.

Sam has agreed to come along with us next week, but at the moment, that is as far as it goes

Swindon boss Andy King

The tall striker made 40 League appearances for the Cobblers, scoring just four goals in a struggling side.

But Robins' boss Andy King is keen to sign him and told the club's official website: "Sam has agreed to come along with us next week, but at the moment, that is as far as it goes.

"I want to make sure that he wants to come here and also that he'll be good for the team before we begin negotiations about a move.

"He had a year loan at Northampton last season which I am led to believe he didn't enjoy that much - so that might not be an option.

"For some reason or another he just ended up playing for Northampton's reserves instead of Chelsea's.

"As far as speaking to Chelsea about a deal, I'll wait and see what happens next week and take it from there."