FOOTBALL'S financial crisis means the player 'sales' will soon be underway but Andy King admits he simply cannot afford many of those in the 'reduced to clear' section.

But with the manager still working hard to try and secure Jimmy Davis' services for a year, he may yet have some joy in the 'items for hire' department.

The Town boss knows there are quality bargains to be had this summer but only if you have a reasonable wad in your wallet.

King said: "I am in the bargain basement section.

"People talk about managers being in a stronger position to talk about wages and contracts.

"That is true to an extent but Swindon Town is way down the queue I'm afraid.

"Let's use Junior Lewis for example.

"He has been told he can leave Leicester.

"Maybe he won't get the thousands he's on a week at the moment but he will wait, see what comes in and maybe settle for a fair bit less.

"But a couple of thousand a week is still way above what I can offer.

"The same applies to Jamie Cureton at Reading, another player I would like.

"People have to be told the truth. It might not be what supporters want to hear but why try and kid them?"

But just because the task ahead is a difficult one, it will not stop King from trying to improve his squad.

The manager watched Manchester United's reserves draw 0-0 with Middlesbrough on Thursday night, keeping a particularly close eye on Jimmy Davis.

King has made no secret of the fact he would love to secure the youngster on loan for a second time.

He said: "There's nothing to really say at this stage. Sir Alex Ferguson wants to wrap up this season before he is prepared to look at options for next year."

King spent yesterday afternoon at former club Everton, and met up with Town's ex youth team coach Phil Cannon, who is now in charge of youth development at Goodison.

He said: "It's a whole different world in terms of the set-up.

"I wasn't there to sort out anything definite but I was checking out one youngster on their books."

As for players already on the County Ground pay roll, Alan Reeves, Steve Robinson and Ian Herring have all verbally agreed to new deals the first two being offered 12 months while Herring will sign a six-month deal.

Daren Dykes has left the club with King describing the youngster's decision to return to Buckingham Town as 'silly'.

He said: "I think the boy has been badly advised."

Ticket prices for the pre-season friendlies with Manchester United, Portsmouth and Wolves will be as follows: £8 (adults) and £3 (concessions).

Season ticket holders will gain entry for £5 and £2 respectively.

Tickets will go on sale in mid-June.