NEWPORT County are expecting that their management team of Justin Edinburgh, Jimmy Dack and Wayne Hatswell will sign new contracts this week with the club set to back their manager in the transfer market.

The Exiles have seen manager Justin Edinburgh linked with League One Gillingham for a fortnight, the ninth longest-serving boss in English football remaining the favourite with bookmakers despite the news of his impending new deal.

However, County insist they have had no approach from Gillingham, who would be duty bound by Football League regulations to gain permission from Newport to speak with Edinburgh.

The Priestfield Stadium outfit have made public that they have interviewed several candidates, though there is also a suggestion they may hold off on an appointment having won back-to-back games under the stewardship of their coaches, led by ex-manager Andy Hessenthaler.

The Argus has been informed that Edinburgh and his team agreed their deals in principle last month and the agreement will be signed after final checks from solicitors. Newport hope to make an announcement this week.

Director Howard Greenhaf admitted he’s in a difficult position in terms of satisfying supporters as to why the Gillingham link refuses to go away.

“Justin has told me he is staying, he has agreed terms of a new contract and so have Jimmy Dack and Wayne Hatswell,” he said.

“We would hope to have an announcement later on this week and hopefully in the next couple of days.

“We made that clear last week and we can only reiterate we’ve had no approach from Gillingham. Obviously there isn’t much we can do about betting odds.”

Greenhaf also confirmed that the club are actively pursuing reinforcements to the squad ahead of the close of the transfer window.

The Exiles have seen Danny Crow and Christian Jolley depart this month and County are keen to add a defender and a striker to their ranks, although they will also be able to utilise the loan market in February.

“Justin is already looking at somebody and with the two players leaving it is full steam ahead for us, we will announce the deal as and when it happens,” he confirmed.

“We will always back Justin when we can and I know he’s actively looking for new signings.”