NEWPORT County boss Anthony Hudson is hoping his relentless pursuit of new players will pay dividends in the next few days with the Exiles closing in on a number of new signings.

The boss has now made his assessment on the ‘French four’ who came over under a new recruitment scheme pioneered by benefactor Matt Southall and Hudson will inform the players of his decision today.

Dutch winger Felino Jardim may also be offered terms with the Exiles after impressing at Mangotsfield on Wednesday and he’ll be involved tomorrow as Hudson takes a first hand look at him, as well as former Walsall winger Steve Jones.

The former Tottenham coach is also closing in on a permanent capture that should be announced in the next 72 hours, a right back from the Football League (and a former academy player with a Premier League giant) who will join as a replacement for Blackpool-bound Paul Bignot.

The boss is also hopeful on a trio of loan signings, one from a League Two club and another couple from higher up, with one ready to make the move from the City Ground.

Hudson met with new Forest manager Steve McLaren on Wednesday evening and the ex-England boss appears to have been persuaded into at least one loan signing.

“Things are very, very hectic at the moment, it’s as busy as we’ve been all summer and suddenly a lot of players are available and on the radar,” Hudson said.

“We are very, very close to signing a right back, which is obviously a priority now and are working on another big signing which has been in the pipeline for a number of weeks.

“We are talking to so many players and agents and managers and it’s all about holding our nerve now and getting the right men.

“I had a very productive chat with Steve McLaren and he wants to help us which is fantastic.”

Hudson hasn’t been able to speak with his French trialists yet but will deliver his verdict this afternoon.

The boss is meanwhile relishing the challenge of League Two Cheltenham and believes it will serve as a good barometer for his side.

The Exiles will blood a full strength team.

“It’s a fantastic one really, they are a division above us and a week ahead of us in terms of preparation and the boys should see it as a fantastic challenge.”

County have no new injury troubles after player/coach Wayne Hatswell shook off a bout of flu.

“I missed a day of training this week for the first time in about 15 years,” the veteran commented.

Darryl Knights is unavailable after a knee operation and skipper Gary Warren is also absent as he returns this weekend from Sweden where he’s been in the training camp for the Team GB Student Side.

The trainee teacher – now full time with County – will skipper the side in the Student Games in China at the start of August.