PREMIER League giants Liverpool are the latest club to show an interest in Newport County AFC star Regan Poole.

County have confirmed that the 16-year-old is on a week-long trial with the five-time European Cup winners.

The Argus understands that Poole, who doesn't turn 17 until next month, will join the Merseyside club’s under-18s on a tour of Germany this week.

The youngster was close to a move to Fulham in January and has recently been linked with fellow Championship clubs Cardiff City and Bristol City this month, while he spent a week with Manchester United at the start of this season.

Poole, still on a scholar's contract at Rodney Parade, played 12 times for the Exiles in 2014/15 and has been offered a professional deal but has yet to sign.

In a statement County said: “Newport County AFC can confirm that youngster Regan Poole is currently on a week-long trial with Premier League outfit Liverpool FC.

“The 16-year-old has previously attracted interest from a number of top clubs including Manchester United and Fulham, with Liverpool also now showing an interest.

“Newport County have granted Regan permission to attend a week-long trial with the Merseyside club this week.

“At the present time Regan is contracted to Newport County for the coming season.”

New Exiles boss Terry Butcher said: "Liverpool were keen to have a look at him so he's gone with some of the younger players to a tournament abroad.

"He's attracted a lot of interest. A lot of clubs are looking at him... and it's only right you give a young player like that an opportunity."

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.

The teenager is still contracted for next season, however, 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.

His present deal with County expires in June 2016 but they would still be due a fee, set by tribunal.

Butcher is hopeful, however, that County can keep hold of the teenage star.

"I think there's no substitute for playing," added the 77-times capped former England defender.

"Young players in particular need to play and play at the highest level they possibly can. Regan's had a good taste of first-team football with Newport County and he's done very well and there's still a lot to do with him.

"He's a good prospect, he's a good boy and hopefully he'll play his football here at Rodney Parade and we can progress him then every club will come looking at him.

"They've not made bids or expressed interest, they only want to have a look at him so at this moment in time that's all they're doing.

"There are clubs that want to have a look at younger players and see what standard they're at, so they're doing their job but we're doing our job trying to progress his career, make sure he learns with us and make sure he learns his football with us.

"You can understand it, head's been turned and all that sort of thing, but he knows it's out there, he knows it's there for him or could be there for him if he continues to play on a regular basis. That's his aim and ambition.

"The last thing he wants to do is go to a top club and not play."