NEWPORT County AFC are braced for renewed interest in teenage defender Regan Poole this month.
The 16-year-old has already trained with Manchester United and Fulham this season and the Cottagers are believed to be considering an offer during the January transfer window.
Poole has caught the eye of a number of scouts in recent weeks with his mature displays at the heart of the County defence during victories over Plymouth Argyle, Cheltenham Town and Carlisle United.
But Championship strugglers Fulham, managed by former Welsh international defender Kit Symons, appear to be at the front of the queue.
The West London club have a glowing reputation for youth development with Huw Jennings described as the best academy director in English football.
Under Jennings’ guidance Fulham won the under-18 Premier League for three seasons in a row.
They have also been keen to give youngsters such as Cauley Woodrow regular game-time since being relegated from the Premier League last season.
County were forced to call upon Poole due to injuries to Andrew Hughes and Kevin Feely last month and his departure would leave Justin Edinburgh’s defensive resources even further stretched.
The Exiles boss was full of praise for the youngster for the way he dealt with Plymouth’s experienced striker Reuben Reid on Boxing Day.
"It was a fantastic performance from him," Edinburgh said.
"It was fantastic for young Regan coming in and playing against one of the best strikers in this league and not looking out of place at 16.
"His temperament in front of a big following and a great atmosphere was outstanding."
"I would have no worries about playing him again. He's way ahead of his age and you wouldn't know he was 16."
Meanwhile Edinburgh has been nominated for the Sky Bet League Two manager of the month award for December.
Edinburgh’s side enjoyed three wins out of four games last month with victories over Stevenage and Plymouth at home and a 1-0 success at Cheltenham.
Also up for the award are Micky Adams of Tranmere Rovers, Neal Ardley of AFC Wimbledon and Stevenage boss Graham Westley. The winner will be announced on Friday.
Saturday’s League Two clash with Portsmouth at Rodney Parade is an all-ticket match on police advice and there will be no sales on the day for home or away fans.
Tickets are available to County supporters via the ticket office in person, or over the phone on 01633 674 963 or 674 979. Alternatively you can buy online at www.newport-county.co.uk/tickets.
Tickets will be on sale from the ticket office until 5pm on Friday and online until 3pm on the same day.
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