Ian Woan has agreed to stay at Swindon until the end of the season with a deal expected to be finalised later this week.

Town boss Andy King has spoken with the midfield maestro and the duo have decided on a contract that should keep the former Forest man at the County Ground until May.

One late obstacle could be the fact that Woan could be tempted to play out his career in America, the country where his wife was born. However, King is hopeful the deal will be settled by Friday.

Woan has been a revelation since signing on a month's loan period soon after King took over at the club. His simple passing game, vast experience and an eye for a quality, defence-splitting pass, has made him a favourite with the Town fans.

King was delighted to have come to an agreement with Woan and hoped there would be no last minute hitch.

"We have spoken about the future. I have told him that I want him to stay and he has said that he does not want to leave," he said. "Now all we need to do is get the deal sorted.

"We are discussing terms of a deal which would keep Ian at the club until the end of the season and that should be tied up by Friday."

Woan was being targeted by Reading boss Alan Pardew earlier this month and admitted he was keen on taking the player to the Madejski Stadium.

That is not likely to happen now with King and Woan's personal relationship winning the day and the improved form of the team encouraging Woan.

Meanwhile King has continued his search for new players by attending reserve matches and Tuesday's FA Cup replay between Nuneaton Borough and Stoke.