Newport County will not break bank to keep Aaron O'Connor

Newport County manager Justin Edinburgh insists he will not pay over the odds to keep top scorer Aaron O'Connor.

O'Connor, who scored 20 goals last season, is out of contract and has been approached by other clubs.

But Edinburgh said: "Every player has a price. I would never go above what I feel is value for money.

"I've been at another club that lost its existence and this club has been in that position. There's no way I'm going to let that happen again here."

While a significant number of the squad that secured promotion to League Two have agreed new deals, talks are continuing with O'Connor.

The 29-year-old striker, who joined Newport from Luton Town on a 12-month deal last July and scored the second goal in the Conference Premier play-off win over Wrexham, has said he wants to stay at Rodney Parade.

But other clubs have made their interest known, making Edinburgh's tasks of securing his man more problematic.

"I've got no problem with him listening to what other clubs have to offer," added Edinburgh. "I had no doubt there would be other interest.

"But we hope he will be the final piece of the jigsaw for this existing squad and we can hopefully add some more quality to a fantastic group of players."

The Newport squad, including O'Connor, are set to leave on holiday to celebrate the club's promotion to the Football League after a 25-year absence.

Edinburgh hopes to conclude negotiations before they leave but added he is prepared to be patient.

"It's not something that can be rushed if it's not appropriate but there will be a time when we'll have to make a decision and draw a line on it," he said.

"It would be nice to secure his future before we go away, but he's coming away with us so that gives me another three or four days to continue my talks and hopefully secure his future at the football club."