Newcastle hitman could be coming to Brisbane Road

But the rumours are not about an exit from the Matchroom Stadium.

Instead, Orient are reportedly well placed to beat League One rivals Swindon Town to the signature of a hot-shot non-league striker.

It is understood by Guardian Series Sport that Orient have offered John Campbell of Newcastle Benfield an 18-month contract.

The offer is said to have prompted a change of heart by Campbell, who was poised to sign for the Robins.

County Ground boss Danny Wilson had offered a six-month contract to the striker, who has scored more than 20 times this season.

But Orient moved swiftly after being impressed by trialist Campbell during a behind-closed-doors game with Premier League Spurs late last month.

The confidence by Orient in the player as shown in the longer offer means that Swindon could see the player slip from their grasp.

It is understood that Wilson has reservations over the player’s readiness for League One football.

With nothing settled at the start of the week, O’s boss Russell Slade was tightlipped on the matter.

“We have had someone down on trial from the northern region,” he ventured.

“We’ve had a look and we’re never afraid to take a punt if we think somebody from non-league can contribute.

“But we’ll have to wait and see,” he added.

A move to Orient would certainly be a step up for Campbell.

Benfield ply their trade a full five divisions beneath Orient, deep in the northern grassroots game.

It is rumoured Campbell once turned down a move to Manchester City.

The youngster, still in his very early twenties, was rumoured to have turned it down in order to stay with mates from a tough council estate.

Elsewhere at Orient, there is other transfer activity.

Spurs teenager Paul Jose M’Poku and Brighton defender Andrew Whing look set to extend their loans at the club.

“We had a verbal agreement that it can be done,” said a confident Slade of the M’Poku deal.

“I’d like to keep Whing with us until the end of the season at least, so there’s a bit of negotiating to do with Brighton there.

“If I can wheel and deal in other areas then I will do,” he added.

Last weekend, M’Poku hit his first league goal as Orient beat Colchester United 4-2 at the Matchroom Stadium.

The substitute winger’s resounding strike was the third goal in a strong and confident performance by the hosts.

It came after a new year’s day humiliation in which Orient suffered a 5-0 away defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, which ex-Seagulls boss Slade said 'hurt very much'.

But he praised his players after Jimmy Smith, Alex Revell, M’Poku and Jonathan Téhoué buried the bad memories.

“We wanted to bounce back, that was important,” said Slade.

“I thought we showed great character and great patience at times, to lose 5-0 and then want to play out from the back and ignore anything else going on.

“It was terrific credit to the players. We kept playing and playing and got the goal I thought we deserved in the first period.

“Then in the second half it was end to end and we put a couple of really good finishes away. On another day I think we could have won more convincingly."