NEWPORT County AFC have contract offers on the table for five members of their squad, whether they are in League One or League Two next season.

The Exiles are mixing a promotion push with plotting for 2021/22 and earlier this week announced a two-year deal with in-form goalkeeper Nick Townsend.

The stopper, striker Padraig Amond and January signings Dom Telford and Priestley Farquharson are the only players currently under contract for next season.

Wales midfielder Josh Sheehan has said that he will leave a decision on his future until the end of the campaign, with the playmaker sure to be on the radar of clubs higher up the pyramid, but County are hoping for success with deals for other players they would like to keep.

"Five offers have gone out so far. Hopefully next week will get a couple more out," said manager Michael Flynn. "Not all five have accepted otherwise it would have been announced but we are trying.

"Some will leave, some will stay. It's down to the individuals to think that Newport is the right place to be and to progress."

STAYING: Nick Townsend signed a new County deal this week

STAYING: Nick Townsend signed a new County deal this week

The lower leagues always have a big summer turnover and the situation has been exacerbated by the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Some individuals will play the waiting game but Flynn has recommended taking the security of a deal.

"It's going to be worse this year and if players want to take gambles that is their prerogative," said the manager.

"Especially when they start approaching 30, 31 or 32, my advice would be to take it, sign the contract and keep ticking the years off.

"If somebody wants you then they will find a way of getting you, whether that's a small fee or a deal with the club. If somebody wants you that much then they will find a way."

It's fair to assume that key defenders Matty Dolan and Mickey Demetriou are among those who Flynn will look to keep while captain Joss Labadie and Scot Bennett remain important figures in midfield.

Wing-back Liam Shephard might fancy his chances of earning a shot in League One if County don't make it up while the new deal with Townsend makes it seem likely that Wales squad goalkeeper Tom King will look for regular action elsewhere.

Of County's squad, four are on loan – midfielders Anthony Hartigan (Wimbledon) and Luke Gambin (Colchester) and forwards Jake Scrimshaw (Bournemouth) and Nicky Maynard (Mansfield).

Contract negotiations are taking place while the Exiles hunt a sporting director with an appointment set to be made next month.

They will work alongside Flynn on recruitment and retention, although a lot of the latter will be well in progress, along with developing a scouting network in England and Wales.

The successful candidate will be charged with helping bridge the gap between County's academy and first team.

The Exiles don't have an under-23 side and are setting up a development squad for next season.