Swindon Town's owners are nothing if not ambitious.
The Wiltshire club were taken over last summer by Australian businessman Clem Morfuni.
That came after a troublesome summer which saw Swindon endure a chaotic pre-season following relegation from League One. They were only able to field a handful of first-team players for a friendly loss to non-league Hungerford Town and there were big fears among the supporters.
But since the takeover the Robins have been able to build a competitive squad under head coach Ben Garner and they are right in the conversation for the play-offs in League Two, albeit in a tightly-packed bunch. Now, the club have released further details of an expansion that recently saw them link up with Pakistani side Karachi FC.
Swindon vice-chairman Zavier Austin, along with academy coach Alex Pike, travelled to Pakistan to see the side in action. And Austin has confirmed the club have big plans with regards unearthing the 'next Mo Salah' and even made bold claims about reaching the Premier League - a division Swindon spent one season in in 1993-94.
Austin wrote on Swindon's website: "The latest visit to Karachi with Alex has been a real eye opener and the level of ability of some players has in truth surpassed our expectations. The warmth we have both been greeted with is truly humbling. I read an article this week by Robert Key, an ex-cricketer and now a journalist, in which he was so complimentary of Pakistan and its people and he encouraged people from all parts of the globe to visit here and banish whatever previous negative perceived ideas they may have had of this wonderful country.
"I 1000 per cent mirror Rob's sentiments. STFC has now set the foundations of what is hoped will be a long and magical friendship and alliance with Karachi FC.
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"It is now clear to us that there is huge footballing talent here in Karachi and we will give those deemed good enough every opportunity to showcase their talents back home in Swindon with us. For too long our club has been run poorly.
"Since the takeover, we wanted to make friends all over the globe and put STFC on the map. Our alliance with Karachi FC will be the first of many. We want STFC to be a recognised club worldwide. A club of the people run with good intentions and with integrity and honour.
"The search for the 'next Mo Salah' has begun and we will not stop until we get to the Premier League and STFC becomes a globally recognised name. I'd personally like to also take this opportunity of thanking each and every one of our fans and sponsors. Without your support, we have nothing. This journey has just begun."
Swindon's proposed game with Forest Green Rovers was called off due to international call-ups.
