FULHAM manager Kit Symons has confirmed that the Championship strugglers are close to signing Newport County AFC defender Regan Poole.

The 16-year-old played the full 90 minutes as County climbed to third in League Two with a 1-0 win over Portsmouth today but it seems that he won’t be at Rodney Parade for much longer.

Speaking after the Cottagers’ 1-0 defeat at Cardiff City this afternoon, former Wales international Symons said a deal is nearly done for Poole.

“He’s a good young player Regan and someone who we’ve been watching closely. He’s a very good player,” said Symons.

“The deal is looking very positive but I’m not sure it’s actually done.

“I’ve met him and seen him on my trips down to Wales but I’ve not actually watched him play.

“Obviously playing first team football at his age does mature you.

“He’s stepped up to the plate there and done really well, hence our interest in him but I think the first team (at Fulham) is a long way off.”