SPECULATION is rife that Bath City's prolific goal-scorer Martin Paul is on his way to Newport County in a £3,000 deal, while Merthyr Tydfil's Darren Ryan is a confirmed signing for the club.

Paul has been City's top scorer for the last four years after netting 96 goals in 180 games and County manager Tim Harris is known to be a big fan of the player.

Currently on holiday in Cyprus, Paul is expected to sign for County on his return in a fortnight and strong suggestions that he has already signed are confirmed as premature by Newport.

With Harris working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring fresh talent to the club, he yesterday unveiled his second confirmed signing for next season as Merthyr Tydfil's Darren Ryan.

Ryan has signed a two-year contract and although a left-sided midfielder, he can play at centre forward and finished as Merthyr's top-scorer last season with ten.

The 28-year-old has had a colourful career after playing at Shrewsbury Town, Chester, Stockport, Barry Town and having been at Penydarren Park for two years.

With the deal signed and sealed, Ryan has come on a free transfer and said he was looking forward to rejoining the club having made six appearances for County last season.

He said the club's ambition to reach the Conference was what brought him to Spytty Park.

While Harris is staying tight-lipped on who else will be playing for Newport next season, some interesting names are being linked to the club.