NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn says he will hold talks with Wales international Joe Ledley this month, but his first priority is to bring in a new right-back.
Ledley, who was linked with a move to Rodney Parade in October, is a free agent again after a one-month stay at Charlton Athletic.
The 32-year-old Cardiff-born midfielder said earlier this week that he wanted to move closer to home and secure regular football as he attempts to earn a place in Ryan Giggs’ squad for Euro 2020.
Ledley said he’d be open to talking to Flynn again and the Exiles boss is also keen to discuss a move.
“Nothing is happening at the minute but I’ll speak to Joe,” he said.
“He obviously wants to come back home and I’ve said that we get on really well, he’s a good lad.
“And I’m sure we will have a conversation before the window ends, but I need to get a right-back in first.
“He’s a good lad, he’s a leader and he does things the right way,” added Flynn.
“But I’ve got to make sure I get in what I need in [order of] priority at the minute.
“Yes, it would be a great name. Yes, it would be good publicity. Yes, it would be a boost for the supporters.
“But I’ve got to think about what’s best for getting me results.
“And if I haven’t got a right-back then it’s going to be a good start to get one in.”
County are short at right-back with Dan Leadbitter still injured and Danny McNamara (above) recalled by parent club Millwall this week.
“I’m working hard trying to get a right-back in,” said Flynn ahead of Saturday’s League Two trip to Scunthorpe United.
“It’s unfortunate that Danny’s gone back but he hasn’t been right for a while. He’s been playing with a groin injury and we couldn’t wait for the timing on the scans.
“It’s a very frustrating injury and I know, because I’ve had it.
“We’ve tried injections, we’ve tried resting it and now he’s found out that he needs an op.
“It’s fantastic the way that Millwall have handled it. They’ve been absolutely fantastic about it.
“Building relationships [with clubs] helps you out because they’ve taken him back and we’re able to get somebody else in because we’ve stopped paying the contribution.
“Money is not something that we can afford to throw away and we can now put that towards somebody else.
“I’m trying, I’m talking to one or two,” he added. “Maybe three or four, if I’m honest.
“I had a deal for a striker that has fallen through because of an injury and he was one I was excited about.
“I’ve been working very hard. This is probably the most I’ve been on the phone in the window as a manager, with calls coming in as well. It’s non-stop."
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