NEXT month could be a busy one for Newport County AFC after boss Michael Flynn revealed he had “loads set up” ahead of the January transfer window.

Flynn himself was among 13 players brought in by managerial predecessor Graham Westley during a frantic first month of 2017.

Fellow great escape heroes Mark O’Brien, Mickey Demetriou and David Pipe were also recruited as Westley desperately tried to turn around the club’s fortunes.

As all Exiles fans know, it wasn’t until his sacking in March and Flynn’s subsequent appointment on a caretaker basis that things began to change for the better.

January 2018 isn’t expected to be as hectic as the previous one but there still looks like being a fair few ins and outs at Rodney Parade in the early New Year.

The transfer window opens at the turn of midnight next Monday and slams shut at 11pm on Wednesday, January 31.

But while Flynn is happy with his wheeling and dealing in the build-up to the window, he is keeping his cards very close to his chest when it comes to identifying possible signings and departures.

When asked if he had anything lined up for January, Flynn said: “I’ve got loads set up, I’ll tell you in January."

He continued: “We had a good week last week, it was a very positive week off the field with regards to what we did behind the scenes.

“I’m hoping I have another good week next week.”

Speaking specifically about making room in his squad for new faces, he added: “I’ve been straight with the players, I’m looking to move people on.

“I need to make space for what I feel will improve the quality of the squad, and people have got to go out to do that.”

Meanwhile, Flynn stated that negotiations with captain Joss Labadie, who is suspended for Saturday's trip to Cheltenham Town in League Two (kick-off 3pm), over a new contract are still ongoing.

He added that the club are in talks with another squad member in relation to a fresh deal, while he is “sure there will be a couple more to follow in the next few weeks”.

The Exiles chief also confirmed that striker Paul Hayes wouldn’t be available until after the New Year’s Day encounter with Exeter City at home.

Hayes was signed on a free transfer in October but hasn’t been able to play because of registration regulations.

“You can’t do anything until the third, even the Paul Hayes thing, he can’t play on the first, it’s unbelievable really,” said Flynn.

Like Labadie, O'Brien is suspended for Saturday following his red card against Lincoln City.

The club did appeal the defender's dismissal but referee Brett Huxtable's original decision was backed by the FA.

Marlon Jackson and Sean Rigg remain sidelined through injury.