FORMER Cardiff City midfielder Jason Bowen is top of Newport County's summer shopping list.

Bowen was released by the Bluebirds last month and County are one of several Welsh clubs, including Merthyr Tydfil, tracking the 31 year-old former Wales international.

He also appeared in the Premiership for Southampton and would be a massive boost as County plan for next season in the new Conference Two (South).

Newport boss Peter Nicholas admitted Bowen was a player on his list but he refused to confirm any concrete offer.

A major advantage for the Exiles in the race for Bowen is the fact that he lives in Langstone, near Newport, and he is keen to remain in South Wales.

Meanwhile the Exiles boss denied that he was in talks with Merthyr Tydfil hitman Courtez Belle. The big forward was controversially dropped to the bench for disciplinary reasons in Merthyr's crunch play-off match against Redditch, which they eventually lost 3-0.

Nicholas said: "We had Courtez here before a while back and we let him go. I know that he has always said he'd be keen on coming to Newport but that is something that I have not looked at the moment."

But Nicholas did admit he was in the market to add to the squad for the new campaign. He said: "I am always looking to strengthen the club.

"There are a lot of players on my list but we will have to wait to see who will be approached."

The arrival of Bowen could soften the blow of losing Andrew Mumford, who is set to return to Swansea where he is under contract.

Nicholas said: "Mumford is a player who I like but at the end of the day he is under contract at Swansea so we will have to wait and see what happens."

Nicholas refuted some of the rumours that have been doing the rounds, with several of the first team squad tipped for the exit door.

Nicholas said that Gary Lloyd would not be returning to newly promoted League of Wales side Llanelli, who he holds a dual contract agreement with, and goalkeeper Duncan Roberts' link with Exeter was described by Nicholas as "news to me".

He also denied that player of the year Jeff Eckhardt was on his way to Merthyr. Nicholas said: "I have a meeting with the board and the picture will be clearer on Thursday and Friday."

Meanwhile, County's opponents in the new league set up were announced this week and on the plus side, only one side that finished above them in the Dr Martens Premier are included, Weymouth, but several London clubs are in the division.

l The Newport County Social Club is holding a sports and general knowledge quiz tonight at 7.30-8pm, with contestants and spectators welcome.