JONATHAN Obika sees his future away from Swindon Town but is unlikely to depart the County Ground anytime soon, the Swindon Advertiser understands.

At the end of last season, Town chairman Lee Power revealed that the striker has turned down the offer of a new contract at the club, with his current deal due to expire next summer.

It is understood that there are unlikely to be any further negotiations over a fresh deal as Obika has his heart set on a move away.

Town would look to cash in on the player now rather than let him leave on a free transfer in 12 months’ time, with chairman Power believed to be holding out for a fee of £500,000 for the 25-year-old, who has netted 22 times in his 54 games for Swindon in all competitions.

Although there is interest from other clubs in Obika’s services, that remains in its infancy as potential suitors are being put off by Swindon’s lofty demands.

Former Tottenham man Obika reported back for the first day of Town’s pre-season programme on Monday and is expected to sit tight until later in the transfer window in the hope that the club lower their demands.

Town have already allowed three strikers to depart the County Ground this summer, with last season’s top scorer, Nicky Ajose, joining League One rivals Charlton Athletic for around £750,000 on Monday.

Michael Smith has also left for League Two Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee, while Miles Storey’s switch to Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership was rubber-stamped on Friday after the youngster also turned down a contract extension at Town.

Twelve months ago, key players Wes Foderingham and Andy Williams were allowed to leave the club on a free following the expiration of their contracts.

Meanwhile, the destiny of midfielder Yaser Kasim has yet to be decided amid reports the player has left the Iraq camp ahead of the Olympic Games to sort out his future.