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County hunt final signing as boss braces for deadline day to go to the wire

CHASE: County boss James Rowberry wants one more signing
CHASE: County boss James Rowberry wants one more signing

NEWPORT County AFC are hoping to sign a midfielder before the transfer deadline but the move could go to the wire.

The Exiles have signed 10 players this summer but boss James Rowberry still wants one more new recruit before 11pm tomorrow.

County are looking for a midfielder, although not necessarily a number 10 as was previously wanted, to go along with Scot Bennett, Nathan Moriah-Welsh, James Waite, Sam Bowen, Robbie Willmott and Aaron Wildig as an option.

The boss wouldn't be distraught if the signing doesn't come off but hopes for good news.

“We are hoping for one more in to add to the strength and depth that we have got. We are looking at that midfield department,” said Rowberry.

“It is touch and go at the moment whether we can get it done but it won’t be for a lack of effort on our part.

“It’s down to the club that we are dealing with, but fingers crossed we can get something done by Thursday.”

South Wales Argus: IMPACT: Nathan Moriah-Welsh has started well in Newport
South Wales Argus: IMPACT: Nathan Moriah-Welsh has started well in Newport

IMPACT: Nathan Moriah-Welsh has started well in Newport

County have opted for a 3-5-2 in League Two after playing much of last season with a pair of 10s to make the most of talented loanees Finn Azaz and Ollie Cooper.

Waite and Wildig are their attacking midfield options along with versatile forward Lewis Collins, who has slotted in there in cup wins against Portsmouth and Exeter.

Rowberry hopes for good news with one more signing but he hopes for a quiet night on the departure front.

The boss isn’t pushing anybody to the exit and he still has the services of influential right-back Cameron Norman, whose first season at Rodney Parade led to a bid from Scottish Premiership side St Mirren in May.

“There will be no outs as far as I am concerned, I don’t want anybody to leave. However, I’ve learnt that you never know in football and I will be in the office until 11pm just in case,” said Rowberry.

County brought in defender Declan Drysdale, midfielders Bowen and Wildig, versatile forward Will Evans and strikers Omar Bogle and Offrande Zanzala on permanent deals.

Four players are currently on loan – left-back Adam Lewis (Liverpool), midfielder Moriah-Welsh (Bournemouth), striker Chanka Zimba (Cardiff) and forward Thierry Nevers (West Ham), who signed after an injury to Zanzala.