It is being reported that Swindon Town are lining up a bid for Gillingham winger Luke Rooney during the January transfer window.

Rooney has been largely out of favour at Priestfield over the past month after failing to agree a new deal, however he did feature in the 2-1 win at Crawley on Boxing Day before being dismissed for picking up two yellow cards.

The winger, who turned 21 just the other day was suspended for the 2-1 loss at Dagenham on Friday night and will also miss the league game with Aldershot at Priestfield on Monday.

However, it is believed that Swindon are lining up an offer for Rooney with boss Paulo Di Canio a known fan of the midfielder and he told the Advertiser: “In the first week in January I hope to have three players. If it is not possible I am happy to have one player (Paul Benson) straight away, which will be good for everyone and he can be ready for AFC Wimbledon and maybe go on the bench, we will see.

Di Canio added: “We are looking at strikers and other positions. I need quality players. We have quality here and we could carry on with the same players, but I want extra quality.

“I want to have the right substitutions who can guarantee the same level of performance as those who play.

“I want to win and I am sure we can win this league if we bring in strong players, but with good technical quality.”

Rooney has stalled on signing the contract extension that was offered to him by Gillingham and is out of contract in the summer.

Should he move to Swindon, The Gills would expect a fee for the talented youngster with Andy Hessenthaler looking to offload some players in the January transfer window to make way for fresh talent.

Picture supplied by Jack Gracie