NEWPORT County boss Terry Butcher is urging teen ace Regan Poole to remain at Rodney Parade, insisting first team football is the best education he can receive.

As revealed by Argus Sport, Poole is spending the week touring Germany with the Liverpool U18s, with Brendan Rodgers the latest manager to cast admiring glances at the 16-year old, who is also attracting the attention of Manchester United, Fulham, Bristol City and rivals Cardiff City.

Poole still has a year to run on his scholar deal with the Exiles, and County would be entitled to compensation, set by a tribunal (if a fee can’t be agreed between clubs), irrespective of whether he leaves County this or next summer. It is understood Newport are looking for in excess of £200,000 for the Wales U18 cap.

But Butcher, ideally, simply wants him to stay.

"I think there's no substitute for playing," said the 77-times capped former England defender.

"Young players in particular need to play and play at the highest level they possibly can. Regan's had a good taste of first-team football with Newport County and he's done very well and there's still a lot to do with him.

“We would look at him as a first team player.

"He's a good prospect, he's a good boy and hopefully he'll play his football here at Rodney Parade and we can progress him then every club will come looking at him.

"They've not made bids or expressed interest; they only want to have a look at him so at this moment in time that's all they're doing.

“Liverpool were keen to have a look at him so he's gone with some of the younger players to a tournament in Germany.

"He's attracted a lot of interest. A lot of clubs are looking at him... and it's only right you give a young player like that an opportunity.

“The last thing you want to be doing is putting up barriers and saying “no,” to opportunities for him to see what else is out there.

“In terms of his development, we are doing our job and Liverpool are doing theirs.”

However, Butcher is adamant the best choice for Poole would be staying on and working with County’s new regime.

“You can understand it, head's been turned and all that sort of thing, but he knows it's out there, he knows it's there for him or could be there for him if he continues to play on a regular basis. That's his aim and ambition. Regan will get to where he wants to go eventually, he has the talent.

“But I would like to think I know a thing or two about being a central defender and certainly feel I could develop his game further.

"The last thing he wants to do is go to a top club and not play."