Newport County are lining up a sensational summer swoop for Chinese World Cup defender Fan Zhiyi (pictured).

And if Exiles boss Peter Nicholas lands Zhiyi, a close personal friend, it would arguably be the biggest transfer coup in Welsh footballing history.

The signing of 33-year-old Zhiyi, capped 106-times by China, would capture the imagination of Newport's footballing public and send interest in the Dr Martens League club soaring.

Nicholas, planning for his first full season at Newport Stadium, has worked hard behind the scenes to put County in the running for the 2001 Asian Player of the Year and China's highest-profile star - known as the 'David Beckham of Asia'.

Zhiyi, who has captained his country, is a pioneer of Asian soccer and his progress is followed by millions of Chinese fans. Newport County's profile would be raised to astronomical levels if Nicholas can sign him.

He represented China in their debut World Cup appearance in the Far East last year, playing in their 2-0 opening Group C defeat to Costa Rica in the South Korean city of Gwangju.

Zhiyi is now a free agent following his release from County's near neighbours Cardiff City after their promotion to Division One. He made eight appearances for the Bluebirds.

Nicholas and Zhiyi were together at Crystal Palace when Nicholas was youth team coach and Zhiyi arrived from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua for £1m in 1998.

The pair have kept in contact ever since, including when Zhiyi was north of the border with Dundee.

The Argus also understands that Zhiyi has even trained with the squad on occasions. Newport are set to pounce for Zhiyi if he isn't snapped up by a Football League club by the end of the summer.

A stumbling block, however, could be the star's wage demands, but Nicholas is desperate to land a centre-back to replace the released Billy Clark.

Zhiyi, who can also play in midfield, is an inspirational player and has been the cornerstone of China's national side since he made his debut against Slovakia in 1992.

He is an intelligent player who can read the game well and is superb in the air.