A KNEE injury looks to have scuppered the chances of Newport County AFC signing another exciting Bristol City prospect on loan.

Striker Saikou Janneh has been a pre-season star for the Robins, scoring four times in friendlies, and has been one of Exiles boss Michael Flynn’s top targets as he looks to further bolster his forward line before the new League Two season.

County have already brought in left wing-back George Nurse on loan from Ashton Gate this summer and are also looking at midfielder George Dowling.

And Flynn would love Janneh to follow in the footsteps of fellow strikers Shawn McCoulsky and Antoine Semenyo, who both excelled after making the short trip from Bristol to Newport over the past two seasons.

League One clubs have also been looking at the 19-year-old and City manager Lee Johnson has confirmed that he was set to go out on loan this week.

Flynn left County’s 3-0 friendly win at Hungerford at half-time on Saturday to watch City’s home clash with Premier League outfit Crystal Palace.

But Janneh missed that match due to a knee problem, which may require surgery, and that could scupper a potential move before the end of the transfer window on September 2.

“Hopefully that one’s not as bad as first feared,” Johnson told the Bristol Post after his side was beaten 5-0 by Palace.

“He had a bit of knee swelling and was actually due to go out on loan, potentially this week but they’ve had to pull that back due to various situations with his knee.

“He needs to see a surgeon and just assess whether that damage is serious or just a little niggle.”

One young player who is set to move in the opposite direction is Exiles academy star Owura Edwards.

The talented teenager was offered a professional contract by County alongside Lewis Collins this summer, but he will instead join his older brother Opi over the Prince of Wales Bridge.

Opi is already in City's youth set-up and travelled to Florida, along with Janneh, for the first-team's recent pre-season training camp.

Owura was on trial with the Robins earlier this year and he clearly impressed, with a compensation package having close to being agreed between the clubs.

As a scholar, Edwards can technically move on a free transfer but County are entitled to compensation for the player.

That is likely to be based on future first-team appearances and the Exiles also want a sell-on clause.

It is unlikely that the youngster would be involved with the first-team set-up, but instead go into the Robins' youth team.

He was named in their under-23s squad for a friendly on Saturday.

“I’m not fully sure on the Edwards situation,” said Johnson.

“It’s Opi’s brother actually so we are looking to do a deal for a young player there but I’m not sure if that’s actually through or not.”

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