Jonathan Obika: Swindon Town forward to stay for 2016-17, says chairman Lee Power

Jonathan Obika has scored 19 league goals in 64 league games since joining Swindon in 2014

Swindon Town will not sell forward Jonathan Obika this summer, chairman Lee Power has told BBC Wiltshire.

Obika has rejected a new deal but Power says the 25-year-old will see out the remaining year of his contract.

"It's unfortunate John doesn't want to sign a new deal - that doesn't make him a criminal," Power told BBC Wiltshire. "He's got to look after his family."

Swindon's top scorer in 2015-16, striker Nicky Ajose, signed for fellow League One side Charlton in June.

"We won't be selling any more - up front anyway," Power continued. "John is going to play a pivotal part this year - we've got high hopes for John.

"I sat down with him and we both said next season is a big season for him and for us. Hopefully his goals will get us into the play-offs or even promotion."

Meanwhile, Power says he will speak with midfielder Yaser Kasim, 25, about his future at the club and hopes the Iraq international will also stay for the 2016-17 campaign.

Kasim was reportedly a target for other clubs and head coach Luke Williams admitted in April that it was sensible for Swindon to be planning for life without him and Ajose.

"I'll have a chat with (Kasim) and it might be a similar conversation as with John," Power added.

"Sometimes you have to sell a year early and financially you have to do that to keep some money in the pot. But we haven't had the interest that we thought we'd have and Yaser is a different kettle of fish.

"He needs to have a big season for him. Hopefully, with Yaser and John, both at the top of their game, with the rest of the players we're trying to bring together, will give us a competitive team."