'Premier League clubs want us to sign their players'

Chairman Huw Jenkins says Premier League clubs want their youngsters to play for Newport County as a result of the Exiles' change of style.

Newport, who are 18th in League Two, are trying to play a more possession-based game under former Swansea City coach Nelson Jardim.

Jenkins, who was Swansea chairman as they rose from the fourth tier to the Premier League between 2004 and 2011, says Newport's "reputation within the football fraternity is slowly changing".

"Our change in football style means we now have top-flight clubs actually starting to contact us to take their players on loan," he said in a statement issued to County fans at the halfway point in the season.

"And I'm sure that with the right player additions in January, we can look forward and develop even more as the season progresses."

Jardim was named head coach last July following the departure of Graham Coughlan, with an overhaul of the playing squad seeing 17 new faces arrive during the summer transfer window.

Jenkins that meant "a tough period of transition" was inevitable, but believes Newport "should get stronger" in the second half of the season.

"Signing our players on extended contracts will also allow the club flexibility to keep our best players longer and build value within the squad, while looking for consistency and growth each season," he added.

"A core base of players is vital and will hopefully provide us with a much better chance of success going forward.

"My summary of the season so far, on and off the pitch, is very much aligned. We have done reasonably well, but we must continue to improve in all areas on and off the field."