NEWPORT County will today sign a former target of Stoke City boss Tony Pulis to boost their attacking options.

The Exiles have agreed to take Michael Smith on loan from Championship side Charlton Athletic and want to seal the deal today in time for him to feature in tomorrow night’s Conference clash with Cambridge United at Rodney Parade.

The 6ft 4ins striker joined the Addicks on transfer deadline day 2011 for an undisclosed fee from Darlington and his parent club want the 20-year-old to get some first team football with the Blue Square Bet Premier leaders.

Most details of the mooted deal were ironed out on Friday but the Exiles delayed the move until today in order for the initial one month loan to encompass an extra fixture.

Smith should arrive today but manager Justin Edinburgh’s preference is that he is one of TWO attacking signings. The Exiles are also chasing another front runner, also playing in the Football League at a club based in England.

Newport had thought they had agreed a double deal on Friday but they were left disappointed by a player u-turn.

However, they have quickly identified another target and will try to sign him on a loan deal until January in the next 24 hours after he was required for FA Cup action this weekend.

As we reported last week, at least one and probably two of Jefferson Louis, Jake Harris and Ryan Charles will be allowed out on loan to accommodate the new players.

“We are very pleased to have got Michael Smith, that one is virtually done and he’s a player who will give us great options,” manager Justin Edinburgh told the Argus.

“It’s an initial one month loan but it’s a player with a bundle of potential. We hoped to do two deals and still do but this represents a really good start for us.”

Smith will play tomorrow subject to his international clearance being received in time.

Trialist Byron Anthony won’t be eligible to play but the Exiles should welcome back injury victim Ismail Yakubu as well as skipper David Pipe whose suspension is finished.

Goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley will start and knows he must have a solid game as long-term injury victim Alan Julian should return to fitness this month according to Edinburgh.