Swindon Town have a plan in place for if League One clubs come calling for Aaron Drinan during the remainder of the summer transfer window. Having been the top goalscorer and Player of the Season in League Two last year, Swindon were always likely to be fretting over whether they could keep Drinan, with interest existing from clubs higher up the divisions. To this point in the summer, The Adver understands that no bids have arrived for the Irish hitman, although he is being evaluated as a potential option by multiple League One clubs. The need for strikers has increased across the summer for strikers in the third tier, as Bristol City signed League One top scorer Dom Ballard from Leyton Orient and Lorent Tolaj from Plymouth Argyle, both of whom played against Swindon in pre-season. That has left those two clubs searching for solutions up front, whilst the likes of Stockport County and Burton Albion are also thought to be monitoring strikers were Tyrese Shade or Adama Sidibeh to depart. Plymouth have reportedly agreed a fee to sign Will Evans from Mansfield Town, although Tom Cleverley has previously suggested that they may look to sign multiple strikers. Pete O'Rourke has reported that Grimsby Town's Jaze Kabia is top of Leyton Orient's list, but the young forward is liked by many in League One and the Championship. Swindon have been hopeful that they can hold onto Drinan, who has two years remaining on his contract and is older than most players that clubs pay money for in the current market. The Adver understands that, at present, it would take those League One teams missing out on their current targets for them to turn to Drinan. Ian Holloway was asked about whether any discussions had been had around Drinan, and he said that a plan is in place for the interest steps up beyond where it is at present. He said: "We have got a contingency plan [for if someone comes in for Drinan]. But, for me, for the amount of money that we would demand and command for Aaron, I am not worried. I have talked to him about how I see him with us, and there is no reason that we cannot be aiming for the Championship so long as we do better than we did last year." Holloway has previously said that he would not countenance losing Drinan to a club beneath the Championship, as he believes that is his true level, and a division he would like for him to play in with Swindon. Back in May, Swindon's manager said that he would have to discuss matters with Drinan were an offer to come in for him, but The Adver understands that he remains fully committed to Town and has not had his head turned. Speaking at the start of July, Holloway said: "It is quite easy to deal with: he has a decent contract, he signed it, and he wants to be here. He is fully committed to us."
Swindon Town are currently preparing for their next fixture against Grimsby Town on 27th February 2027, where they sit 16th in the league table.
What happened?
Swindon Town have a contingency plan in place for Aaron Drinan amid interest from League One clubs. The Irish striker's future remains uncertain.
Why it matters for Swindon Town
The need for strikers has increased across the summer for strikers in the third tier, as Bristol City signed League One top scorer Dom Ballard from Leyton Orient and Lorent Tolaj from Plymouth Argyle, both of whom played against Swindon in pre-season.
What comes next?
Swindon have been hopeful that they can hold onto Drinan, who has two years remaining on his contract and is older than most players that clubs pay money for in the current market. The Adver understands that, at present, it would take those League One teams missing out on their current targets for them to turn to Drinan.
