6.54pm: County confirm Poole move to Old Trafford

County confirmed the news moments ago.

In a statement on their website, they wrote:

"The youngster has confirmed a switch to the Premier League, joining one of the most successful football clubs in the world.

"The young defender secures a dream move to join Premier League giants Manchester United, for an undisclosed fee.


"Regan became the youngest player ever to represent Newport County AFC, when he made his debut against Shrewsbury Town in September 2014, aged sixteen and ninety-four days. 


"Regan then went on to play a further eleven times for Newport during the 2014/15 season, leading to the youngster being shortlisted for the Football League apprentice of the year award.


"So far this season the centre-back has made three appearances, the most recent coming in our home defeat against Leyton Orient.


At international level Regan has been been capped at under-17 level by Wales, making his debut against Montenegro in October 2014. 


"Manager Terry Butcher admitted that a number of clubs had shown interest in Regan over the past few days, but once Manchester United declared their willingness to sign the defender it would have been difficult to turn down.


"In the past few days a number of clubs have shown an interest in Regan, but as soon as Manchester United came in there was only really going to be one outcome." 


"It is every boy's dream to play for Manchester United, and it's a wonderful opportunity for him to progress at such a magnificent club. It doesn't matter which country you are in, or where you are in the world, when Manchester United come calling you have to answer."


"What it does show for our club is that there is a pathway right to the very top. Someone like Regan, who started of at Cardiff but was released and then came to us, it doesn't matter which age the players come to us they can emulate Regan's footsteps."


"It's a great boost for the club, in terms of the academy, the first team and the area of Newport. The region produces a lot of good, young footballing talent."
"We are active in the transfer market and there will be options for us when the loan window re-opens again in a week's time.

"There is a small legacy in many aspects that Regan has created, the money that he has generated could help to get other players and to give the younger boys that inspiration to possibly do what he's done one day." 

6.36pm: Poole deal expected to be confirmed

An announcement is expected shortly on the future of Regan Poole.

Thought the transfer deadline has passed, deals can be announced later, as long as all the paperwork was properly lodged with the authorities.

There has been no indication from Newport that the deal hasn't gone through, though there has as yet been no official confirmation.

The Exiles face Swindon Town tonight in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, kick-off 7.45pm.

 

5.30pm: County swoop to sign free agent defender

Newport County have signed free agent defender Matt Partridge.

The 21-year old defender signs on a one-year deal until the end of the season.

Partridge graduated through the youth ranks at Reading, captaining their under-18s side, signing a pro-contract at the club back in July 2012.

County defender Regan Poole is understood be putting the finishing touches on a move to Manchester United that could eventually be worth £400,000.

 

3.52pm: Poole undergoing United medical

Newport County defender Regan Poole is undergoing a medical at Manchester United, the Argus understands.

County are understood to have accepted a bid that will see them paid £100,000 up front in a deal that could eventually be worth £400,000.

The Exiles haven't confirmed the news.

It is also believed County are looking into signing defensive reinforcements ahead of the close of the transfer window at 6pm tonight.

 

1.20pm: Poole travelling to Manchester

REGAN Poole is on his way to Manchester to undergo a medical and agree terms on a switch to Old Trafford, the Argus understands.

Though County are remaining tight-lipped on the speculation, it is being reported that United are paying £100,000 up front in a deal that could eventually be worth £400,000.

The deal could theoretically provide a significant boost to County’s proposed Supporters’ Trust takeover.

While the Exiles haven’t confirmed a deal is in place – or even that a bid has been lodged – sources close to Poole have confirmed he’s on his way to Manchester having left this morning.

The Exiles are understood to be more optimistic about holding on to striker Aaron Collins.

Championship outfit Burnley have had three bids for the striker turned down, the last understood to have been for £65,000.

The Exiles have also seen defender Kevin Feely depart the club today, to return to his native Ireland. He may have called time on his professional football career.

Manager Terry Butcher hasn’t yet been available for comment.

 

12.55pm: Kevin Feely mutually agrees to terminate contract 

The defender will return to his native Ireland, to return to full-time education.

The centre-back originally joined County on loan from Charlton in March 2014, making his debut against Torquay United.

When his contract at Charlton expired in May 2014, Kevin signed a permanent deal with County and went on to make over twenty appearances for the club last campaign.

He featured in the opening game of this season against Cambridge, but sustained a thigh injury in the second half that meant he missed the three games that followed. Kevin returned to action in our home defeat to Leyton Orient and played the entirety of our visit to Plymouth on Saturday.

The club will retain Kevin's registration, as part of the termination agreement. 

In light of today's news, Kevin wishes to inform fans that it was a personal decision, indicating a career move away from the game.

"I would just like to thank the football club and the fans, including everybody associated with Newport County AFC for all the support they have given me over the last two years."

"The decision I made was a completely personal one, based on where I wanted to go with my life, at the moment I don't think football is where I want my future to be."

"I just want the fans and the club to know that the decision wasn't based on football, if I was going to continue playing football then it would be for Newport County AFC. I have never enjoyed football as much as I have done during the last two seasons with the club. It is a decision purely based on where I want my life to go." 

Newport County AFC would like to wish Kevin all the best for the future and thank him for his efforts during his time with us. 

 

12pm: NEWPORT County AFC are negotiating the sale of Regan Poole, the Argus understands

It has been reported in the Daily Mail this morning that the Exiles are close to agreeing a deal with Manchester United that could rise to £400,000.

The Argus has been informed by several sources close to Poole that a deal is indeed being negotiated, with the Red Devils understood to have offered a far bigger sum than Hull City, who expressed interest in Poole over the weekend.

County are trying to raise £225,000 for a Supporters’ Trust takeover of the club, though it is as yet unconfirmed that owner Mr Scadding would allow transfer profits to count towards that total.

However, if he does, selling teenager Poole, a Wales U19 international, could essentially secure the future of the club in one go.

Newport, however, are understood to be resisting Burnley’s attempts to prise away attacker Aaron Collins.

The 18-year old was described by former boss Jimmy Dack as ‘the new George Boyd’ and now Sean Dyche is trying to bring the pair together at Turf Moor.

However, the Argus understands that County have now rebuffed three separate offers for the Newport-born youngster and are hopeful he will stay put.

Having signed a professional contract – Poole is still on scholar terms – Newport feel they have a stronger hand as pertains to Collins.

However, despite a deal with United understood to be close, the club are remaining tight-lipped on the speculation.

When contacted by the Argus, their media manager James Hayhoe reiterated that the club “won’t comment on rumour and speculation.”

The transfer deadline closes tonight at 6pm.

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