NEWPORT County AFC manager James Rowberry aims to have most of his transfer business done by the time the Exiles return for pre-season training.

County have made their first two signings of the summer by agreeing a permanent move for midfielder Sam Bowen from Cardiff while striker Will Evans will arrive from Bala on a free transfer.

Those moves will be rubber-stamped when the transfer window officially opens on June 10, when the Exiles also intend to complete the paperwork for other deals.

Rowberry stated at the end of last season that he wants to have 22 seniors on the books plus the club’s bright prospects.

They are currently on 14 and the boss wants most of his business done by the time the squad return for pre-season testing on June 22.

South Wales Argus: Newport County have 14 players under contractNewport County have 14 players under contract

“We have irons in the fire and we want to get players in by the time pre-season starts. We should be close to numbers being done by then, with a few loans left to be done,” said Rowberry.

The nature of the loan market means that some slots will be left open on the roster because clubs higher up the pyramid often like to work with and assess their young talent over the summer.

Last season Jake Cain and Ollie Cooper joined on deadline day from Liverpool and Swansea respectively after Finn Azaz arrived from Aston Villa on the eve of the season.

Sporting director Darren Kelly and Rowberry have been beavering away and are closing in on a number of key targets, with the desire to bring in some more Football League experience along with exciting potential.

They will move for a new strike force after Courtney Baker-Richardson turned down a contract offer in favour of signing for League Two rivals Crewe Alexandra on a two-year deal.

Golden boot winner Dom Telford has been offered a fresh deal but is in demand after his remarkable 26-goal campaign.

Alex Fisher and loanees Rob Street and Timmy Abraham have left, meaning Lewis Collins and new recruit Evans are the only strike options currently on the roster.

County will look to add another left-back to battle with Aaron Lewis, who can also play down the right, after the exit of Ryan Haynes.

They are well stocked for central defenders but are keen on a pacy option to join Mickey Demetriou, James Clarke and Priestley Farquharson, who is on the comeback trail from knee surgery.

Josh Pask signed on loan from Coventry in January and was released by the Sky Blues but a deal for the 24-year-old looks unlikely.

Current County senior squad
Goalkeepers: Nick Townsend, Joe Day
Full-backs: Cameron Norman, Aaron Lewis
Central defenders: Mickey Demetriou, James Clarke, Priestley Farquharson
Defender/midfielders: Scot Bennett, Matty Dolan
Midfield: Robbie Willmott, Sam Bowen, James Waite
Forwards: Lewis Collins, Will Evans