RUMOURS that Newport County manager Dean Holdsworth could be on his way to League Two Hereford United have been dismissed as rubbish.

Speculation has been rife amongst Bulls fans that Holdsworth, who led County to promotion in scintillating fashion last season, could be the man to replace Graham Turner.

But a highly-placed source at Spytty Park told the Argus that there was no substance to the rumour and there was no prospect of Holdsworth leaving the club in the immediate future.

Talks are believed to be on-going on a new contract for the Exiles boss, who still has one year to run on his current deal, and all parties are confident that an agreement will be reached soon.

The Argus understands that the aim of the club is to agree a completely new deal with Holdsworth, one that would maximise their right to compensation should another club come calling.

Holdsworth, currently away on holiday, told the Argus in March that he wants to stay.

“I have no plans to go anywhere,” he said. “I want to keep building on what we’ve done here, we are talking and planning and preparing for life in the Conference.

“I am very happy here, something our supporters hopefully know. But I have no idea what the future holds,” he added.

“I want to manage at the highest level I can in my managerial career and that has always been the case since I joined the club.”

The Hereford link comes after a statement on the club’s official website at the weekend, which revealed that new chairman David Keyte and vice chair Tim Russon had drawn up a three-man shortlist for the Edgar Street vacancy from around 30 applications.

“We’ve been pleasantly surprised by the standard of those who have applied,” said Keyte.

“The club have already spoken to two of the three, and with the third now having returned from holiday, United will meet to discuss their plans on Tuesday.

“Two of them are currently in employment, current managers,” added Keyte.

“One of them is in a higher league, one of them is lower in the Conference, the third one is an interesting one, but he’s not got a great deal of experience.”

Other big names linked to the post include Paul Ince, ex-Cardiff City boss Lennie Lawrence, current Wrexham manager Dean Saunders and County legend John Aldridge.

Both Keyte and Russon have said they hope that an appointment will be made sometime this week.