PETER Nicholas is negotiating with two South Wales-based Nationwide League centre-backs as he plans to bolster his Newport County defence.

Andrew Jordan and Neil Sharp (pictured) , released by Cardiff City and Swansea City respectively this summer, are currently discussing switching to Newport Stadium with the Exiles boss.

Ironically Jordan, son of ex-Scotland star Joe, missed Cardiff's vital spot kick in the FAW Premier Cup semi-final penalty shoot-out, sending joyful Newport into the final at Wrexham.

Both Jordan, the 23-year-old ex-Scotland Under-21s international, and Sharp are big, strong defenders.

Nicholas, though, has been forced to stall discussions for the next 48 hours due to the death of his father, Ivor, following a short illness.

But Nicholas' right-hand-man Glyn Jones confirmed County's interest in the two club-seeking defenders. "They are both quality centre-backs," he said.

"They are the type of players we want to bring to Newport County - young with Football League experience.

"Peter has been is discussion with them and talks are progressing well so we are very hopeful."

Jordan was well down the pecking-order at Ninian Park and was released by Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence after the Bluebirds' promotion to Division One.

Brian Flynn's decision to release Sharp, on the other hand, was a surprise at the Vetch.

Nicholas, who worked with the 25-year-old while he was assistant manager at Swansea, has already signed ex-Swans full-back Terry Evans.

The Argus understands the talks with Sharp are at an advanced stage.