NEWPORT County boss Justin Edinburgh has admitted talks are ongoing over his new contract, but insists he’s making plans for the long term at Rodney Parade.

The Argus understands that County will complete the signing of a League One striker tomorrow - with the Swindon Advertiser reporting that County are trailing Swindon striker Miles Storey - and have also negotiated to loan Regan Poole from Fulham until the end of the season once his transfer to Craven Cottage is completed.

However, it is the continual link with Edinburgh and the Gillingham management job that is concerning Exiles fans and Edinburgh offered cause for optimism for the Rodney Parade faithful without entirely ruling himself out of contention.

“No I haven’t (signed the contract yet),” he said as his weekly press briefing.

“Obviously you can be fully understanding of the fact it is something we have to discuss.

“I know Howard (Greenhaf) is very keen, but there are one or two Is and Ts to be dotted and crossed and you can understand that, from a personal view I have to make sure it’s right.

“There is nothing out of the ordinary, it’s not like my contract runs out next week, and I am contracted here until the end of next season. But talks are ongoing on the new deal.

“I fully understand the fan concern, I understand the speculation and the link with Gillingham, but people know me and know I won’t take my eye off the ball here.

“Of course that’s easy to question with the last two results and performances, but I think we have to turn it into a positive, four defeats in the last 24 games and possibly we haven’t had the credit we deserved.

“In terms of the run we’ve had, there was always going to be a dip, it was inevitable, it was never going to continue and we had a slow start, one point from five league games, so our form since then has been top of the league form.

“Yeah (on signing a new contract in the next couple of weeks). This is my fourth season and I still feel there is a lot of work to be done on and off the pitch, a lot of progression to be made.

“Talks with Howard are ongoing, he’s doing is right by the football club in being positive in what he’s saying and we have had positive talks.

“Everything we are all trying to achieve here is positive; I’ve shown my intentions by (imminently) bringing a new player to the football club and keeping Regan here for the season.”

Edinburgh has been encouraged by plans for the future in talks with Greenhaf.

“You are not going to find a more positive and enthusiastic director than Howard at any club, he is pushing this club every single day and I draw inspiration from him.

“It’s positive (the plans for the future) we’ve had good talks and I am pleased with the plans the club are showing.”

Edinburgh admits Regan Poole remaining at Rodney Parade provides him a massive boost.

“We’ve had good news with Regan staying on loan until the end of the season once the deal is concluded and it’s big for us,” he said.

“Since I’ve been at the club we’ve sold Danny Rose, Lee Evans and Conor Washington in January, so it would’ve been, not disappointing as we’ve progressed him, but with him so young and performing as he has, it was something I pushed for (to keep him).

“And after discussions with Fulham they saw it makes sense and we are delighted, because it doesn’t leave us short in that defensive area, we will have five centre halves and the chance to use the loan market if we need it.

“It is a real boost for us.”