League Two Swindon Town have made an approach to former Charlton Athletic midfielder Jack Payne in an attempt to bring him back to the County Ground, sources have informed The Deck.
Swindon fans were dealt the disappointing news that Dan Kemp had opted to sign for Stevenage in League One despite their attempts to convince him to return. However, according to sources the Robins have also launched an attempt to secure the signing of another former star Jack Payne as a free agent.
The club made the approach in the last couple of weeks, but the player has yet to turn down Swindon and is instead weighing up his options ahead of pre-season as there are more than one offer currently on the table. Following the response, recruitment staff then turned their attention to Kemp who was considered a “more urgent” deal due to his willingness to sign for Stevenage.
Payne spent the 23/24 season on loan in League Two from Charlton at MK Dons and was part of the side that narrowly missed out on promotion to League One. The Dons are also keen to sign the player after impressing manager Mike Williamson.
The player made 88 appearances in all competitions for Swindon scoring 18 goals and contributing 13 assists as he helped Ben Garner’s side reach the play-offs before they were defeated by Port Vale at the semi-final stage. He then opted to follow his manager to Charlton Athletic. Despite a few decent periods managerial turmoil blighted his time at the Valley as Garner was replaced by Michael Appleton, who had already moved him on from Lincoln City in the past and then Nathan Jones who joined whilst he was already out on loan.
He has also had spells at Southend United, Bradford City, Oxford United, Huddersfield Town and Blackburn Rovers.
It is currently unknown whether the player will opt for a return to the club he enjoyed previous success at, but there may be a glimmer of hope for Swindon fans faced with the disappointing news this morning.