NEWPORT County boss Anthony Hudson believes new signing Ismail Yakubu is his “perfect central defender”, with the player equally enamoured with the Exiles.

Rookie Hudson yesterday finalised his fourth signing of the summer, Yakubu penning a deal as a free agent after leaving AFC Wimbledon and joining Craig McAllister, Danny Potter and Tommy Doherty as new faces at Newport.

The 26-year-old has almost the perfect CV in terms of Hudson’s requirements, having played 297 games in the Football League with Barnet after making his debut as a 16-year old.

After leaving Underhill, Nigerian-born Yakubu signed for Wimbledon and played his part in helping them to promotion from the Conference last term.

Described by his new boss as a “strong, quick and powerful defender with good concentration”, the England C international is determined to make his mark at his new club.

And his manager admitted that since Chris Todd’s departure, Yakubu had been uppermost in his thoughts.

“We had a very short shortlist, Tim (Harris) and I, and Ismail was at the top of that list,” he said.

“Age-wise he is reaching his peak, he has bags of experience and for me he was the stand out candidate to sign.

“On and off the pitch he ticks all the boxes for us. We had some very good players lined up and of that list, he ticked the most boxes, it’s a perfect one for us.”

Londoner Yakubu will be moving to Newport and expressed his delight and excitement in joining, once again indicating Hudson had been a key factor in the decision to join County ahead of other Conference clubs.

“I am excited to join Newport, I think it’s a really good club and I feel fortunate they showed an interest in me this summer,” he explained.

“I had other offers but after speaking with Anthony I got that sense the club is growing, there is something special brewing and I want to be a part of it.

“I am moving to Newport, I am at the stage of my life where I need a change and as a player I should be coming to my peak.

“I feel like Newport is absolutely the right move for me and can’t wait to get going.”

Yakubu admits to feeling regret that he didn’t agree a deal to stay with Wimbledon, now of League Two, but feels confident that signing a contract at Newport gives him his best chance of returning to the Football League.

“I haven’t given up on the Football League, I feel it’s where I belong, I believe I can and should be playing at that level and Newport belong there as well.”

Yakubu will get a chance to forge a partnership with club captain Gary Warren but admits another relationship was a factor in his decision.

“The fans at Newport, that was a big thing for me,” he said.

“Wimbledon obviously had a huge fanbase for the Conference and I remember coming to Newport when the weather was appalling and there were still loads of fans. They love their club and I am excited to play in front of them.”

l The Argus can reveal that Hudson is still chasing at least two further permanent signings before using the loan market to finalise his squad. It is understood he is looking for a midfielder and a striker and will then use the loan market to finish up with around 22 players for next term.

The Exiles are likely to see both Glyn Thompson and Robbie Matthews depart before August.