EXCLUSIVE: BRIAN Howard will become the latest Robin to fly the nest when he completes a move to Barnsley tomorrow.

The winger, pictured, will travel to Oakwell for his medical and, all being well, will pen a two-year contract with Swindon's League One rivals.

He will be the third Town player to secure a new club after turning down the offer of a new deal at the County Ground.

Defender Matt Heywood is due to complete his move to Bristol City upon his return from holiday this morning and Grant Smith is also on his way to Ashton Gate after agreeing pre-contract terms yesterday.

Howard, 22, attracted plenty of attention with some sparkling early season form but injury saw him lose his place and the emergence of Smith resulted in long spells on the bench in the second half of the campaign.

Howard, who scored 10 goals in two seasons following his move from Southampton, originally favoured a switch back to the south coast with Bournemouth, who were also keen to sign the winger.

Joining Barnsley means having to uproot to Yorkshire, but boss Andy Ritchie made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

"I went up there to speak to Barnsley last week," said Howard.

"A few clubs have shown an interest since the end of the season, including Bournemouth, but the deal they (Barnsley) have offered is too good to turn down.

"I would have been throwing away a lot of money over two years. "I'm going back up there for a medical and hopefully to sign on Thursday."

It seems unlikely that Howard will be joined at Oakwell by his good mate Sammy Igoe.

Barnsley manager Ritchie yesterday released a statement denying any interest in the 29-year-old who is also stalling on a new Town deal.

Ritchie confirmed: "There is no interest at all from us in Sammy Igoe.

"I think it is more to do with other parties trying to drum up interest in the player."

Bristol City have also distanced themselves from a move for the diminutive playmaker.