Regan Poole praises Newport boss Terry Butcher's influence

Regan Poole has been linked with clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool and Fulham

Defender Regan Poole says he is already benefiting from the influence of new Newport County manager Terry Butcher.

Poole, 17, and fellow teenage centre-back Keiran Parselle, 18, both impressed in Tuesday's League Cup first-round 2-1 loss to Wolves.

League Two side County pushed their Championship visitors all the way.

"I've learnt an awful lot so far [from Butcher] and he's improved my game since I've been here... you can't learn off a better person," Poole said.

"Me and Keiran have been talking and we've both learnt an awful lot... [assistant manager] Russell Osman as well, they were both awesome centre-backs in their time.

"We do our defensive drills most days and we carry on learning.

Newport boss Terry Butcher won 77 caps for England and captained his country

Poole added: "I had an awesome season last season through Justin [former manager Edinburgh], so hopefully I can carry on this season as well."

Former England centre-backs Butcher and Osman are in their first season in charge at Rodney Parade, and have had to rebuild the Newport squad over the summer after just four players remained under contract.

Poole has another year left to run on his current scholar's contract at the Exiles and has been offered his first senior deal.

But there are several clubs understood to be interested in the youngster, who was released by the Cardiff City academy when he was 14, although Newport have yet to receive any formal offers.

Poole went on trial at Manchester United early in the 2014-2015 season before almost joining Fulham in January. He also spent a week with Liverpool's academy earlier this summer.

"I enjoyed my time at United, Liverpool and Fulham - they were three unbelievable clubs and I got treated really well there and [they are] still interested now," Poole told BBC Wales Sport.

"I know County fans want me to stay. I love them, they love me so I've a lot to thank them for and I've got a lot to thank this club for since I've been here.

"I couldn't have asked for anything more off this club.

Newport goalkeeper Joe Day makes a diving save during the League Cup first-round match with Wolves

"As I got released by Cardiff a couple of years ago and I look back now, I would never have thought I'd be in this situation.

"What I try and do is put that to one side and concentrate on my game on a Saturday, play my best and all that comes with it.

"I can't say [if he will remain a Newport player], because it's out of my hands and Terry and the backroom staff are dealing with it.

"I'm loving my football at the moment and I'll carry on loving it as long as I'm here."

Poole's performance against Wolves on Tuesday night may have attracted more admirers, as Newport gave a fine account of themselves against opposition from two leagues above them.

"I thought we did really well as a back five, the three centre-halves did well, Keiran did very well... we really did deserve to get something out of the game," Poole added.

"I enjoyed it, they let you play... so it suits me getting on the ball. It was a really good night, although gutted we didn't get anything out of the game."