NEWPORT are out to sign more Welsh players and are aiming to invest even more heavily in youth.

That is Newport's long term aim, insists director of rugby Allan Lewis as the team prepares for Saturday's Principality Cup semi-final against Gwent rivals Ebbw Vale.

Welsh internationals Chris Anthony and Gareth Wyatt are understood to be signing for Newport.

Swansea tight head prop Anthony has been capped eight times between 1997 and 1999 and is currently on the bench for Wales.

He would add considerably to Newport's front row strength and would provide an alternative to Adrian Garvey, enabling Rod Snow to concentrate on loose head prop instead of switching from one side to the other.

Wyatt, a pacey Pontypridd winger, has been capped once by Wales against Tonga in 1997.

He can also play full back and outside half, but Newport would use him on the wing where they lack strength in depth.

Skipper Gary Teichmann's position has also got to be filled for next season.

Newport already have Alix Popham and Joe Powell who can play at number eight.

But Wales back row forward Nathan Budgett was still a target, and could be yet, but his financial demands are a problem and he is also being linked with Llanelli.

If Newport fail to sign Budgett, Pontypridd's promising Michael Owen could be a target.

With the future in mind, Newport thrashed Caerphilly 67-7 at under-21 level last night at Rodney Parade.

And centre Scott Williams captains Wales in tonight's World Junior Cup semi-final against France in Santiago.

"We are looking to extend the squad with Welshmen," said Lewis.

"This particular side has been together less than two seasons, people forget that.

"We have got to establish a core group of players who remain together for four years.

"They will move to take the club forward, and it is also important we invest in youngsters.

"We can draw an analogy with Newcastle who have got so many youngsters in their ranks and are doing very well.

"It's important for the future. We can't keep talking short-term."

All of that means Newport may not even pursue a major overseas signing for next season.

A number of names have been linked with the club, South African scrum half star Joost van der Westhuizen and Australian wing Joe Roff among them.

Newport have also been offered other overseas stars as agents around the world are alive to Newport's elevated position in the rugby world.

Closer to home, England back row forward ace Lawrence Dallaglio has also been linked with Newport, suggestions made that he has even spent a week training at the club.

But the reality is none of them is likely to move to Rodney Parade.

Chief executive Tony Brown is calling a halt to really big money signings that the game can't afford.

Consequently, Newport are looking to sign up Welsh players and develop home grown talent.