Robins deny Leeds Parkin approach

Swindon Town have denied speculation that Leeds United have made a bid for striker Sam Parkin.

The 23-year-old was the subject of a recent £250,000 bid from Hull City that was turned down by the West Country club.

Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell is thought to be on the lookout for a new striker after losing the services of Alan Smith to Manchester United and facing the impending departure of Mark Viduka during the current close season.

The Whites have halted their interest in Mansfield Town hit-man Liam Lawrence and have seemingly turned their attentions to the likes of Parkin.

However, The Robins have denied that an approach has been made by the West Yorkshire outfit regarding Parkin.

"There has been no approach or offer, official or unofficial, from Leeds United with regard to Sam Parkin," chief executive Mark Devlin told the Swindon Evening Advertiser.

"I have no idea where some of these stories come from to be honest. It's obviously a quiet time and maybe some people are looking for speculation to fill space.

"They see Leeds linked with one Division Two striker, it doesn't happen, so they move on to the next player, who happens to be Sam Parkin.

"We are not in a position where we have to sell Sam and we feel he has an important part to play in the forthcoming campaign."

Meanwhile, Robins boss Andy King has revealed that he has spoken to Republic of Ireland international Mark Kinsella about a possible move to The County Ground.

Kinsella is looking for a new club after being released at the season's end by West Bromwich Albion.

King is keen to add a box-to-box player to his squad for next season and it remains to be seen if the Coca-Cola League One club will have the funds to sign Kinsella, who was also linked recently with Walsall.

"I have spoken to Mark Kinsella, who has yet to fix himself up with a club, and he is going to give me a call when he returns from holiday in America," said King.

"I feel the one area where I don't have the competition that I'd like is in midfield. I want someone to challenge Matty Hewlett and Stefan Miglioranzi.

"Jerel (Ifil) has given me another option at the back, while Lloyd (Opara) offers a challenge to the other strikers.

"I would like to add a strong box-to-box player to the squad. Whether I am able to do anything about that remains to be seen."