NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn has revealed that the club has turned down a bid for Joss Labadie and he insists the captain will remain at the club until at least the end of the season.

Labadie has missed the last two matches with a hamstring strain and is a doubt for Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Tottenham.

The skipper’s current contract runs until the summer and he has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.

That has led to rumours that the 27-year-old could be on the move before the end of the January transfer window for a reported £500,000.

Asked about his captain after last night’s 1-1 draw with Morecambe at Rodney Parade, Flynn said: “We’ve had a bid for him but it’s nowhere near £500,000. It’s nowhere in the region of that.

“There was a bid for him but that’s not why he’s not playing – he has got a hamstring injury.

“It’s not being considered at all. The bid was three weeks ago and it’s not even close [to what he’s worth]. It was just a waste of time, if I’m totally honest.

“We won’t lose him. He’s not going anywhere. He’s here until the end of the season and it’s going to take a substantial offer for him to leave before that.”

And Flynn is still hopeful that Labadie could yet agree a new contract to stay with the Exiles beyond the summer.

“We’re talking to his agent,” he said. “Nothing has been turned down. He’s a key player, he’s our captain and we’ll see how he goes.

“Fingers crossed he’s fit for Saturday.”

Labadie and fellow midfielder Matty Dolan have both missed the last two matches.

Asked if they would be fit to face Spurs, Flynn said: “I’m not sure. I’m hoping one, if not two, will be fit but I really don’t know.

“We’ll see how they are on Thursday when they train, if they train.

“It didn’t affect us too much against Crawley. I thought the two boys [Josh Sheehan and Ben Tozer] in there came in and did well.

“And they put in a good shift again and Ben Tozer got the goal.”

South Wales Argus:

Sheehan (above) was replaced by new loan signing Emmanuel Osadebe at half-time against Morecambe.

“It was tactical,” explained the manager. “It is a little bit unfair to expect him [Sheehan] to be at a [top] level when he’s been out for so long.

“I wanted to get on top of the battle and get some fresh legs in there.

“Paddy [Osadebe] was very enthusiastic and you can see that he wants to be a part of it.

“We’re going to need these players throughout the season.”

Defender Ben White was replaced in the starting XI by Mark O’Brien last night but he should be fit for Saturday.

“Ben’s had a bit of a tight hamstring for a few games and if I there was ever one I was going to look to leave him out [it was this one],” said Flynn.

“I don’t want him pulling his hamstring because we’re going to need him at the weekend.”