Swindon Town are ready to offer Chris McPhee a career lifeline if he fails to clinch a new deal at Albion.

The 23-year-old striker was one of nine Seagulls players out of contract at the end of the season.

An announcement on the future of the group, including Kerry Mayo, Gary Hart, Richard Carpenter and Guy Butters, was still awaited last night.

Swindon will move in to sign McPhee, who finished the season on loan at the County Ground, if the Seagulls deem him surplus to requirements.

McPhee, 23, failed to score in seven appearances for the Robins as they were relegated to League Two.

But he impressed with his work rate in attack and could suit boss Iffy Onuora's plans to field a physically powerful line-up in English football's fourth tier.

The Wiltshire club are awaiting developments at Withdean.

Onuora is notoriously reluctant to talk about possible signings but is enthusiastic when it comes to McPhee.

He said: "Chris I like, I like a lot. I'm probably going to speak to his agent about tying him down a bit more permanently, for next year certainly."

Swindon would not offer a fee for McPhee if he secured a new deal with Albion.

Former Albion and Nottingham Forest midfielder Steve Melton was last night released by Boston United.