NEWPORT County look set to announce another signing today, and it could be their captain for the coming campaign.

The Exiles have so far added eight new players after new manager Terry Butcher opted to release the majority of last season’s squad.

However, Butcher is confident the club can announce further reinforcements sooner rather than later, with one deal especially close.

“We are making good progress on that front, we have a few deals we are closing in on and one is close, we should definitely get it over the line,” he said.

“I would expect to have some news on that one on Friday and we are looking to press on with our transfer plans.”

County are looking to add to the spine of their side, with the boss targeting central defenders, central midfielders and another striker or two.

However, Butcher admits any of County’s new signings could end up skippering the side next season, with the ex-England international hinting he won’t look to a player who was part of last season’s squad when it comes to selecting his captain.

“We have had a brief think about the captaincy, but the issue isn’t one that is really a priority for the moment,” he explained.

“We have reinforcements coming in terms of midfield and central defence and perhaps one of those signings will be most suitable.

“But we are looking for a group where everyone feels confident and we should have several candidates vying for the position.”

The Exiles are gearing up for friendlies with Undy and Port Talbot next week and Butcher admits looking at trialists and improving fitness won’t be the only objectives.

“We will be working on team shape a little bit as well,” he said.

“The two things go hand-in-hand, we are looking at developing the style we want to play, but it also needs to be about the fitness and looking at some trialists.

“We will look forward to the games very much.”

Butcher was full of praise for County’s three youth team graduates, Kieran Parselle, Tom Owen-Evans and Aaron Collins after a draining week of pre-season training.

“I think the all the group enjoyed themselves a bit more without the boiling hot weather,” he explained.

“All three of the youth graduates have done well, none have looked out of place whatsoever.”

Butcher is content to go into the new campaign with what could be one of the youngest squads in the Football League.

“We played seven-a-side on Thursday, it was the first time we’ve done something other than the physical work and I could see the players really enjoyed it, they had that look in their eyes,” Butcher explained.

“We split it into the young guys versus the senior players, but that was a bit of an eye-opener as Yan Klukowski was our oldest player and he’s only 28!

“But that’s something I’m comfortable with, I favour having a young squad.

“It is something I’ve been used to in my management career and I think a young group is a key part of the club functioning properly. And supporters also prefer to see that home grown player get given a chance.”