91Èȱ¬

Newport County have offered 17-year-old centre-half Regan Poole a professional contract

Poole still has another year left to run on his current scholar's contract at the Exiles but is now eligible to sign improved terms.

Manager Terry Butcher said it was a "no brainer" that the youngster, who has had trials with Manchester United and Liverpool, should sign the deal.

"It's been offered to him straight away," Butcher said.

Originally it was only going to be offered at the end of this season but I brought that forward to say well you're 17, we have that contract and it is ready to sign.

"He hasn't offered us any indication at the moment that he will sign. He's speaking to his agent but it is there on the table for him."

Poole became Newport's youngest ever player when he started against Shrewsbury in September 2014 at the age of 16 years and 94 days.

He went on trial at Manchester United early in the 2014-2015 season before almost joining Fulham in January.

Cardiff-born Poole also spent a week with Liverpool's academy earlier this summer though 91Èȱ¬ Sport understands the Exiles haven't received any formal offers for him.

Butcher wants to keep hold of one of his most prized assets and hopes the lure of regular first team football in the forthcoming season will be enough to convince him to stay.

"If he signs that contract he does get more money straight away so for me it's a no brainer but obviously for Regan and his agent, they have to work out what's best for them," Butcher added/

"I had a good chat with his parents and with Regan too.

"I told them what I thought, my advice is to sign the contract but obviously he's got an agent that will give him advice and his parents' advice too.

"But I'm hopeful that he will sign."