EXCLUSIVE: ANDY King is in talks to try and bring Manchester United's Paul Tierney to the County Ground.

The Town boss has told the Evening Advertiser that the Old Trafford left-back, has already been sounded out about the move and that a former Wiltshire loanee is doing his bit to help seal the deal.

King said: "Whether it goes ahead depends to a degree on the decisions of the players here who have yet to decide on their offers but Tierney of Manchester United knows of my interest.

"The boy has since spoken to my contact at Old Trafford Ricky Spragia but he also knows James Milner very well.

"I understand young Milner has spoken in very good terms about us so hopefully that will stand us in good stead."

Tierney, a former Republic of Ireland Under 21 international, spent the latter stages of 2004-5 on loan at Bradford City and made 14 starts following his December switch to Valley Parade.

The Salford-born youngster has made just one senior appearance for the Red Devils but made 17 starts for Crewe Alexandra while on loan at Gresty Road in 2002-3 and clocked up two starts for Colchester United in the following campaign.

Although primarily a left-back Tierney can also play on the right hand side of defence.

While a deal for Tierney is yet to be completed, King has confirmed for the first time that Bolton Wanderers duo Ricky Shakes and Charlie Comyn-Platt are expected for pre-season training at the County Ground.

The Town boss has said terms have been agreed in principle with right-winger Shakes and central defender Comyn-Platt, although neither deal is set in stone.

Formalities cannot be completed until the pair officially become free agents on July 1.

King said: "I've spoken again to the agents involved and to the players themselves.

"I've given my word and my last words to them were 'I'm looking forward to seeing you for training on July 1'. I would hope that will be the case."

King knows only a signature on a piece of paper is a cast-iron deal-sealer but he is confident the catch is in the bag.

He said: "You do your homework on players but you also want to know what they want from a move.

"Both lads seem keen to come to Swindon Town Football Club.

"I ask players are they coming because they want to enjoy themselves for 12 months or are they coming because they have a hunger to win football matches and have success?

"I got the answer I wanted in both cases.

"That's hopefully two youngsters we can bring in to strengthen things but I'm still looking for another one."