NEWPORT County AFC manager Justin Edinburgh has laughed off rumours of a move for former Wales international Robert Earnshaw.

The 33-year-old striker is a free agent after being released by Blackpool and the Daily Mail has reported that Earnshaw, who last played for Wales in 2012, has been offered a contract by the Exiles.

The Mail report reads: “Robert Earnshaw is considering an offer to play for ambitious Newport.

“The much-travelled 33-year-old is the only player to score a hat-trick in all divisions of the English Football League and is a free agent after leaving Blackpool at the end of the season.

“The League Two side are managed by former Tottenham defender Justin Edinburgh who recognises Earnshaw still has the ability to score goals.”

But Edinburgh has dismissed the rumour having said earlier this week that there will be no imminent transfer activity at Rodney Parade.

“There’s no truth in that story,” Edinburgh told the Argus at the end of the first week of pre-season training.

“I’m not sure we’d be able to attract someone of his stature but there’s nothing wrong with us being linked to players like that.

“It shows how far the club has come in recent years but I’ve got plenty of strikers here already.”

The Exiles currently have Aaron O’Connor, Christian Jolley, Chris Zebroski, Rene Howe, Shaun Jeffers, Danny Crow and new boy Joe Parker all vying for places up front.

Earnshaw has been in Newport in recent weeks but only to work towards his UEFA B coaching licence with the Football Association of Wales at Dragon Park.

The player posted the following on Twitter on June 20: “First day of the @FAWCoachEd B licence done 6 more to go. Learning the game from a different angle will also help me get better playing.

“By the way it's only preparation. I’ve still got years to play yet.”

Meanwhile Edinburgh says he is pleased with the first week of pre-season and he believes his players are ready for the first friendly at Evesham United on Tuesday.

“We’ve completed the first week and I’m very happy with how everything has gone,” said the Exiles boss.

“The players have all done well and they’re all looking forward to getting some game time on Tuesday.

“That’s what we’re working towards. I would think that everyone should get 45 minutes in and hopefully that will include the trialists we have with us at the moment.”