ALFRETON Town chairman Wayne Bradley has confirmed that numerous clubs were interested in towering defender Aden Flint after he chose Swindon Town over Colchester United last night.

The chairman of the promotion-chasing Blue Square North club says that ‘10 or more’ clubs had shown interest in the 6ft 6in centre-back but that only League One clubs Colchester and Swindon met his valuation – believed to be �150,000.

Flint met U’s chairman Robbie Cowling and manager John Ward on Wednesday, but Swindon then arrived late on the scene with a matching bid before persuading the player his future was at The County Ground yesterday.

Cowling was informed of Flint’s decision via e-mail last night. The 21-year-old may yet still be loaned back to Alfreton for the remainder of the season as they chase promotion to the top-flight of non-league.

“Aden has been the subject of interest from a lot of clubs in the Football League since the summer,” said Bradley.

“We rejected an offer from Luton Town and Derby County were one of 10 or more clubs who were interested – but I wouldn’t budge on our valuation of the player.”

The move marks a meteoric rise for Flint, who joined Alfreton from Central Midlands League Supreme Division side Pinxton in August 2008 following a successful trial.

After a loan spell with Matlock Town, he established himself as a first-team regular at the Impact Arena and his form earned him a first England C cap in September.

This season, he has made 24 appearances for Alfreton, scoring three goals. He captained the side in their ground-breaking 6-3 FA Trophy second round replay win at Cambridge United on Tuesday night.

Bradley added: “Kyle McFadzean went to Crawley for �80,000 plus add-ons but this will exceed that by far – and the fee Hull City paid for Ryan France. It will definitely be a record for this club.

“He (Flint) has made tremendous strides since joining us and we think there is another move he can make. That’s why we have agreed a 20% sell-on clause, because I believe he can go on from here. He’s got it all.”