NEWPORT County face a race against time to make improvements to their squad for the remainder of the campaign.

The Exiles are attempting to bring in two loan players, understood to be a striker and a defender, following the release of Rene Howe.

The County forward has had his contract cancelled by mutual consent as he takes time away from football to care for his wife, who is currently facing a serious illness. Howe is leaving Rodney Parade to take full-time care of his young son Josh.

Newport are also open to the possibility of allowing Shaun Jeffers and Joe Parker to depart the club, with the deadline for all loan deals being 5pm on Thursday, March 26.

That means the Exiles are battling to get the deals over the line with County understood to be especially keen on replacing Howe with another striker.

They have recently been linked with a swoop for Cardiff City striker Rhys Healey, a League of Wales product who was discovered by the Bluebirds turning out for Bangor.

The 20-year old made his senior debut against Chelsea at the end of last season and has just returned to the Cardiff City Stadium from a loan at Colchester. It is understood that deal was cut short with Cardiff keen to see the Manchester-born striker given more first team opportunities elsewhere.

The Exiles have a good relationship with Cardiff and already have defender David Tutonda on-loan from their Championship rivals until the remainder of the campaign.

It is understood that County have cleared any potential financial hurdles to drafting in two players, irrespective on what happens with Jeffers and Parker.

In addition to Howe’s wages being freed up, the Argus understands County have also received a donation from one of their directors to subsidise any potential loan agreements.

The Exiles are determined to give boss Jimmy Dack all possible support with County back in the League Two play-off berths.

Boss Dack has told the Argus he expects both potential deals to go down to the wire as the Exiles seek agreement with the respective parent clubs.

Meanwhile, the club have also confirmed their latest name to join the County Hall of Fame, life president David Hando.

A statement on their official website reads: “Newport County AFC are very proud to induct David Hando into the Hall of Fame for “lifetime service to the club”.

“David has been a major driving force for Newport County, Newport AFC and Newport County AFC in a number of roles including chairman. David who is now the honorary president of the club also pulls together Supporters Partnership meetings and still runs the Subscription Draw which is a great fundraiser for the club.

“When you talk about Newport County AFC you immediately think David Hando and this is why we as a club are very proud to induct David into the 2015 awards. Christian Jolley and David Pipe have also been announced for induction.