INTEREST in County’s teen ace Regan Poole is intensifying with suitors now lining up a little closer to home, the Argus has learned.

The 16-year old, who played 12-times for Newport first team this term, is one of the hottest teenagers in British football.

Well over a dozen clubs have scouted him this season, in a campaign where Poole has also represented Wales U17s and skippered County’s youth side to the semi final of the Welsh Cup.

Poole has been a much talked about talent since last summer when he went on trial at Manchester United, with the Red Devils asking County if he could return later in the season for a second trial period. They have also asked to be kept informed of any developments, but haven’t yet made a concrete offer for the ex-Cardiff City academy player.

Fulham, managed by ex-Wales defender Kit Symons, are understood to have had two offers rebuffed for Poole, the first for £30,000 and the second £60,000. They haven’t been back since.

County’s former managers Jimmy Dack and Justin Edinburgh both spoke positively this season about the prospect of retaining Poole past the summer, but the picture is becoming ever more uncertain with more clubs now registering an interest.

The Argus has learned that Poole is attracting serious attention from Championship outfit Bristol City, who are believed to have made an enquiry directly to County earlier this week.

And Poole’s former club Cardiff are also in the running, with Craig Bellamy understood to have telephoned a County director to inform him that the Bluebirds know they made a mistake in releasing Poole.

Although Cardiff won’t match Fulham’s second offer, there could be a willingness on their part to both trade players and allow Poole to return on loan to Rodney Parade for the whole of next season, the Argus understands.

County are believed to still be negotiating with Poole, who has so far turned down at least two offers of a professional contract to remain in Newport.

However, the 16-year old IS contracted for next season, because he’s only halfway through his two-year scholar agreement.

Once a player is on a scholar contract, the Football Association lose the right to set a fee for a player through their criteria and category system and the matter must be settled by the clubs. If no agreement is reached, the fee would be agreed by an independent tribunal.

And because County have now offered Poole, who counts as their product in terms of his development, a professional contract, he wouldn’t be allowed to move for free next summer, even though his present deal with Newport expires in June 2016.

Again, County would be due a fee, set by tribunal, though it is thought to be more likely that the matter will be settled before the new season begins in August.