Torquay in negotiations with Swindon over Billy Bodin

Bodin has scored four goals during his time at Torquay United

Torquay United are in negotiations with Swindon Town about extending the tenure of on-loan midfielder Billy Bodin.

The 19-year-old Wales Under-21 international joined the Gulls on loan in August and is scheduled to return to the County Ground on 8 January.

"Billy's been a massive part of where we've got and we want to keep him on board," manager Martin Ling told BBC Radio Devon.

"There's negotiations ongoing as we speak."

Bodin has made 16 appearances for Torquay this season and has been instrumental in their recent good run of form which has seen them win five of their last six games in League Two.

Ling played alongside Bodin's father Paul at Swindon Town and he says he has discussed Billy's future with him.

"I've spoken to Swindon a couple of times on the situation," Ling said. "I've spoken to his dad and Billy himself and they would both like him to stay here.

"But he's Swindon's player and Swindon have got to make that decision and we'll have to assess that nearer the time.

"They know that I would love to keep him until the end of the season and even possibly take him full time."

In September Swindon boss Paolo di Canio said he would consider selling Bodin if a deal could be done which suited both clubs.

But Ling feels that a deal to extend his loan at the Gulls, rather than bringing the youngster to Plainmoor permanently, is more likely.

"Let's be honest about it," the Torquay manager said. "He's a 19-year-old kid at Swindon that's well respected so it's more likely to be the first option, take him on loan until the end of the season.

"What I can see is a good player. I feel that he's more than capable at playing at League Two and given time I think he's more than capable higher up than that."

But Ling says the lure of regular football may persuade Bodin to stay in Devon.

"He's a big product for us. We'd love to keep him about us because he's had a successful time.

"He's been a regular here at 19, and I think sometimes when you've been a regular you want to stay a regular and I think Bill would like to stay as well," he added.