YOUNG England star Brian Howard is set to snub Chelsea in favour of a move to the County Ground but only if Andy King has sufficient funds remaining in his transfer budget.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, recently released by Southampton, caught the eye of the Town boss during a 3-1 victory over Conference side Gravesend and Northfleet at the club's training ground on Saturday.

So too did former Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Ryan Green and both seem likely to figure in the squad to face the men from Molineux on Wednesday evening at the County Ground.

King said the respective performances of Howard and Green had presented him with a 'nice' problem.

He said: "I don't know if I have the finances to do anything about it though.

"Howard has been with the England Under 20 side this summer and Chelsea want to sign him.

"To be released from one Premiership club and then be offered a chance with another one is very unusual.

"He has said he is thinking of coming to join us here though.

"There's no doubt he is a very good player.

"Being involved with the England Under 20 side is no guarantee of success but there is no doubt he has ability.

"The question is can he harness that ability to become the complete player."

King said the youngster was tremendously impressed with the club and particularly the Wanborough training ground where he made his debut a scoring debut.

The County Ground manager said: "I've said on numerous occasions that this facility is so, so important.

"If a player knows he is going to be coming to work in this environment, it can be a massive factor in persuading him to sign for Swindon Town."

However, the respective futures of goalkeeper Phil Whitehead, defender Ben Martin and striker Luke Nightingale all given starts against Gravesend and Northfleet are less certain.

Defender Danny Murphy has a month to show he is worthy of a permanent deal.

King said: "The match made my mind up about certain players but then as I've said, it caused me a problem in another way because if I want to move on an individual or individuals, I'm not yet sure if I can."

Ticket prices for the clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday are as follows: Adults £8 (£5 for season ticket holders), Concessions £3 (£2 for season ticket holders).

The match kicks off at 7.30pm.