NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn is hoping to add four more players to his squad before the end of the transfer window, but his plans will depend on moving at least one player on.
Flynn has signed eight new players so far this summer with goalkeeper Tom King, defenders Kyle Howkins, Marvel Ekpiteta, Lazar Stojsavljevic, Daniel Leadbitter, George Nurse and Ryan Haynes and forward Corey Whitely arriving at Rodney Parade.
The Exiles boss has now turned his attention to strengthening in midfield and up front after striker Ade Azeez was ruled out for up to six months with a torn Achilles tendon.
“I haven’t stopped all summer,” said Flynn, who saw his side beat League One Shrewsbury Town in a friendly at Ludlow on Wednesday night.
“I think there’s more depth [than last season] but I still need more players.
“Midfield and strikers are the main focus now, but only if they’re the right ones.
“I want more competition for places up front. [Academy graduate] Lewis Collins has come in he’s been doing really well but he’s got injured and Azeez is injured, as you all know.
“I’m going to need four [more], possibly. But I might have to get one or two out first.
“It depends if anybody wants them,” he added.
“It’s my third [full] season now and I haven’t got time for timewasters or people who aren’t part of my plans.
“I’ve learned that; you get more ruthless as you spend time in the job and I’m not going to waste time with people that I don’t need to waste time with.
“I’ll be looking to swap a few things around and get some more quality in.”
Flynn declined to name the player he wants to ship out.
“The player knows,” he said. “It’s one of those things. It happens and sometimes a player needs a fresh start to kick-start their career.
“If nobody goes out, it may only be one or two more in – unless I get a few favours with loans.”
Youngsters Collins and Momodou Touray could also follow Jay Foulston in heading out on loan.
“Lewis Collins has really impressed me,” said the manager.
“He’s been very good and if they [the young players] are doing well enough, they get their chance. If not, they’ll have to go out on loan.”
Flynn also gave an update on the fitness of Scot Bennett, who missed the win over Shrewsbury and last week’s 1-1 draw with Egyptian champions Al Ahly in Spain.
“Benno is almost fit,” he added. “He’s training with us – he’s running, but he’s just had a shoulder operation so it’s just the contact part of it [that he hasn’t had so far].
“But he’ll be ready next week so he’s not one I’m concerned about.”
Goalkeeper Nick Townsend is also close to returning after recovering from a bicep injury.
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