SHOPPING at Newport County AFC has always been a pleasure, but that must change.

At a time where your television, tablet and radio is attempting to convince you on a minute-by-minute basis that Christmas, previously only found on December 25, is indeed coming, it's not a shock that the eager shoppers have arrived at Rodney Parade again.

Only these bargain seekers aren't going to be found queuing outside Debenhams 20-minutes after they finish their Christmas dinner, nor will they been trampling over their loved ones to get 20% off on a Black Friday.

These shoppers are more particular. They send scouts to size up their items and then they swoop in the January sales.

For those of us who follow the County, this is no new phenomenon, nor is it unusual.

For the last three seasons bargain hunters have found all they required from County's treasure trove. In 2011 it was Craig Reid, in 2012 it was Danny Rose and in 2013 it was Lee Evans. They came, they watched, they purchased, merry Christmas County fans and thanks for the memories.

That's life when you're a non-league football team. It's how you play the game. All the players mentioned above were signed to the club when they weren't wanted elsewhere and all were sold at a tidy profit. In other words, great management by all involved.

However, like a High Street store that has changed its sales policy just in time to make the most out of the Christmas market, so too must Newport County AFC change their sales policy.

The Exiles' non-league code of honour when selling a players has been 'we wouldn't want to stand in their way,' but that's a statement I never want to hear again.

Because the rules are different when you're in the Football League and you're enjoying a very good season.

Let's cut to the chase. We all know I'm referring to Conor Washington, a player already attracting interest on par or in excess of that exhibited towards Lee Evans 12-months ago.

But with the best respect to Washington, a guy who is not only a terrific player but a nice, grounded individual, County's priority this January must be what is best for them, not him.

It's not a case of just accepting that it'll be tough to keep hold of him and we'll see what happens. Newport should be ready for a fight to keep him and I believe they are.

By tying the striker to a new contract the Exiles have strengthened their hand immeasurably and they should exhibit an 'our way or the highway' policy on his potential transfer.

Just how much is Washington worth?

Personally speaking, I wouldn't even consider selling him for less than a million.

Now admittedly, I can understand some will think that absurd, based on the fact Washington hasn't even hit double figures for his first campaign at this level. He's a work in progress, without question.

However, what a work in progress.

In 25-years of watching football, I've seen one player produce the margins of improvement that Washington has in such a short space of time. That player is Gareth Bale.

No, I'm not suggesting Washington can be a world beater like the prince of Whitchurch, but at just 21, I see no reason why at his rate of improvement, Conor can't play in the Premier League. Forget being the next Jamie Vardy. He can be a Charlie Austin or Adam Le Fondre, even a Rickie Lambert.

But it shouldn't be forgotten, the player also owes the club a debt.

County plucked Washington from obscurity, a different life as a part-time player and a full-time worker and it's under their watch that he's been transformed and flourished as a professional footballer.

By means of comparison, Matt Green is a Championship player at Birmingham City and Washington is light years ahead of the version of Green that County sold to Cardiff City.

There has been a genuine investment in Washington, time in scouting him, money to pay for him and patience and due care as he's made the jump up so many divisions.

That dividend is only beginning to be paid back and will be a hundred times over... if the player remains at the club.

Newport have a young, contracted asset who is capable of flourishing at a far higher level. Why would they give that up?

The answer is clearly that they shouldn't unless the money is far too good to turn down.

With money always an issue, Newport County sold John Aldridge for £78,000 to Oxford in 1984, with the Us selling him to Liverpool for ten times that amount three years later.

In 2013, with no significant debts and interest in the club as high as ever, County's hand is strong. And if Washington is going to be the new Aldridge, then County would be mad not to cut out the middle man and hold on to their star asset until they get an offer they can't refuse.