NEWPORT County AFC loan star Regan Poole has revealed that he’s fighting for his future at Manchester United, as well as a place in the League Two play-offs with the Exiles.

Poole, who became the youngest player in County’s history when he made his debut aged just 16 in September 2014, sealed a dream move to Old Trafford in 2015.

A brief first-team bow in the Europa League followed in February 2016, before a season-long loan spell at Northampton Town in League One in 2017-2018.

The Wales under-21 international returned to Rodney Parade on loan in January and has played a major part in shoring up the defence, helping County reach the FA Cup fifth round and sustain a challenge for a top-seven spot in the fourth tier.

United’s loan department are keeping a close eye on Poole’s progress in Newport and the Premier League giants must decide this summer whether to extend his stay in Manchester.

“My contract is up at the end of the season, but the club has got an option to extend [for another year],” explained the defender.

“If they take it up, they take it up. If not, I’m not too sure what my plan is. We’ll see what happens.

“It could be a big summer, but I’m happy with how my loan has gone so far and hopefully [United will want to keep me].

“I’ve been speaking to the loan department every week, after every game, and they come down and watch as well.

“They’re very happy with how it’s gone so far with the minutes I’ve got and how I’m playing.”

South Wales Argus:

Poole is hoping that his performances for the Exiles will impress the Old Trafford hierarchy and his ambition is to make it into the first team under Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

“I haven’t spoken to him [Solskjær] personally, but I know word gets back to him,” said the 20-year-old. “And I think he watched the Man City game.

“We’ve still got something to play for, which they’re happy about because it gives me something to fight for until the end of the season.

“And if we do make the play-offs it’s two or three more high-profile matches to look forward to.

“It’s obviously my aim to make it to the first team, wherever I’m at, and I still feel like it’s on,” added Poole.

“It’s really nice to see some of the [academy] boys getting some minutes [for United].

“A couple of them got on against PSG and what an experience it was for them. It’s nice to see them given a chance and taking it as well.

“I’ve got that red shirt on once and I want many more [games]. That’s been my aim since I went there at 17.

“I didn’t expect it to happen straightaway, but I got my chance with the previous manager [Louis van Gaal] and hopefully something can happen with the new manager.”

Read more: How Poole has transformed County's defensive record

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