Torquay boss Martin Ling targets Billy Bodin deal

Bodin says he is 'upset' at having to go back to Swindon Town

Torquay United manager Martin Ling says Swindon's Billy Bodin is his top target in the January transfer window.

The 19-year-old saw his loan deal at Plainmoor come to an end after the 2-1 win at Plymouth Argyle on Monday.

Bodin scored the opener at Home Park, his fifth goal in 19 appearances since going to Torquay in August.

"Billy's my first choice by a long way, if it takes until the end of January or even the first week of February then I'll wait for Bill," Ling said.

The Wales Under-21 international has been a target for Ling for over a month and has made a big impact at Plainmoor after struggling to feature in Paolo di Canio's plans at the County Ground.

He was Billy Kee left the club for Burton Albion in August and has established himself in the Gulls side.

And while Ling has been trying to secure Bodin's services on a longer-term basis, he concedes that the player's performances for Torquay will make it harder for him to persuade The Robins to part with him.

"I've always said I don't understand why he doesn't get a look-in at Swindon, but I'm more than happy to have him and he knows that I want him back. He would like to come back if they don't want him at Swindon.

"It's Swindon's decision and I can't force their hand on it and if it isn't Billy it needs to be somebody else but we all hope it's going to be Billy," Ling told BBC Radio Devon.

And Bodin added that he would like to stay at Plainmoor.

"Going back is quite upsetting because I've enjoyed my time down here. When I go back to Swindon and I'm not playing I'll want to come back," he said.