CORTEZ Belle's permanent move to Newport County is expected to go through today, the Argus can exclusively reveal.

Belle, pictured, was at Chester City yesterday receiving his clearance papers after the club formally released him on a free transfer and he has struck a deal with County.

The former Merthyr player made a major impact at Spytty Park and was instrumental in helping the club avoid the Nationwide South drop and the news that he is to stay will be a massive boost for supporters.

He is equally assured at centre back as well as up front, where he scored two goals for County in the run-in and laid on several more.

"He is a great lad to have on and off the pitch," said manager John Cornforth. "I thought he did brilliantly for us last season, especially at the back, and he is such a threat up front."

Belle is the latest big name to commit to the club following Jason Bowen and Nathan Vaughan, who both signed one-year deals last week.

Meanwhile Cornforth has denied that former boss John Relish would be taking up a coaching role at County. Relish quit as Merthyr boss last month and had been tipped in some quarters for a return to Spytty, but Cornforth dismissed the suggestion out of hand.

It is expected that defender Chris Curran, who was Cornforth's captain at Exeter City, will be the de facto assistant manager next season.

"I don't think there is any need for a full time assistant when you only train twice a week," Cornforth said, "so that is not something I am going to entertain."

Cornforth is still active in the transfer market and discussions are being held with a number of players. Former Exeter City midfielder Kwame Ampadu is currently mulling over a deal after being released by the Grecians this week.

The 34-year-old has a wealth of experience and his previous clubs include Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion and Leyton Orient.

Another target is Merthyr striker Craig Steins but Cornforth admits there are plenty of names being banded around at the moment.