Swindon Town boss hints at Billy Bodin exit

Swindon manager Paolo di Canio has hinted that striker Billy Bodin could leave the club.

The 19-year-old academy graduate has failed to secure a first-team place under Di Canio but impressed during his loan spell at Torquay, scoring five goals in 19 games.

Di Canio told BBC Points West: "I have to think of the future.

"If he did go, it would be permanently as it gives us a chance to go through with another player."

Bodin made his Swindon debut in October 2010 and went on to play four more games last season, with two appearances coming during his father Paul's time as caretaker manager.

When Di Canio took over in May, Bodin Sr reverted back to his role as youth team coach and his son has been unable to compete for a place in the new-look Robins squad.

During his loan with the Gulls, Di Canio admitted he would sell Bodin to their League Two rivals.

"I would be happy to keep him. He's young, talented and has improved a lot," added Di Canio.

"But I'm not going to force my players to stay here. There are talented players but we can get other talented players who can come in and give us quality. If it's good business for us then I have to accept it and let it go."

Meanwhile, Di Canio has reiterated that sought-after pair Paul Caddis and Matt Ritchie will not be leaving the club in the January transfer window.

There had been speculation that several Championship clubs had been interested in the duo, and the club turned down a bid from Bournemouth for Ritchie in December.

"They will be here, absolutely until the end of the season," he said. "If an intelligent club came in and offered £10m for Ritchie then maybe, because within 10 minutes we could then bring four Championship players in.

"They know they are fully committed to this club. They are happy and want to stay here because they know that they could win something. They could win the league and cancel out everything that happened last year."