RHYS EVANS is eager to come 'home' and the Swindonian's desire to play for Town has seen both West Ham United and Bolton Wanderers thwarted in their efforts to sign him.

The England Under 21 international met chief executive Mark Devlin for talks yesterday, although a deal was by no means completed as the parties went their separate ways.

However, a decision was expected one way or the other by the time Town's players arrived for tonight's pre-season encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Speaking exclusively to the Evening Advertiser, the former Kingsdown School pupil said: "I want to come to Swindon. I have already expressed my thanks to Glenn Roeder and Sam Allardyce for their interest but I want this move to happen.

"Andy King has brought in some very good players this summer. I know Brian Howard having played with him in the reserves at Chelsea last season.

"Hopefully an agreement can be reached. I think it would be a deal which would benefit both parties. I'm certainly not going to bankrupt Swindon Town."

Last month Evans described his club dilemma as 'a massive decision, one that could change my whole career, my whole life even.'

The stopper has been the subject of considerable interest since being released by Chelsea but Devlin hopes Town will win the race for his signature.

He said: "I can confirm that talks were held with Rhys Evans yesterday and we are obviously hopeful of a positive outcome.

"However, it's a case of not counting your chickens before they've hatched."

If agreement can be reached it will bring Evans back to the club he severed his ties with at the age of 14, preferring to further his ambitions with Chelsea, who offered a guarantee of working with a goalkeeping coach.

Evans and his partner Rachel are expecting their first baby in November and with tongue firmly in cheek last month, the goalkeeper had speculated whether Swindon would be the nearest hospital for the birth.

If Evans' move goes through subject as ever to Football League approval it will leave King with an assembled squad before a ball has really been kicked in anger.

There is no disguising his delight at having the pieces in place so early but the feet remain firmly rooted to the floor.

He said: "I'm not about to start getting carried away.

"However, the squad looks stronger and better balanced than this time last year. Time will tell.

"I think I've improved it and their target is now to improve on what we achieved last year.

"Their first chance to show me that they are worth a starting place in my team comes against Wolves.

"I have no doubt my lads will work hard but can they out-think Premiership opponents and put together some creative play?"

Tonight's match at the County Ground kicks off at 7.30pm.