Newport agree terms with New Zealand keeper Tzanev

Nik Tzanev moved from his native New Zealand to England at the age of nine and came through the academy ranks at Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Brentford.

Newport County have agreed a deal to sign New Zealand goalkeeper Nik Tzanev.

The 28-year-old will join the League Two club following his release from League One Northampton Town.

The Exiles were on the hunt for a new keeper following Antigua and Barbuda international Nick Townsend's decision to snub a new contract at Rodney Parade to join non-league Eastleigh.

Tzanev, who has two caps for the All Whites, will link up with David Hughes' team at the end of the month having been part of the New Zealand squad for recent games against Ukraine and Ivory Coast in Canada.

Newport have also confirmed that defender James Clarke has signed a new one-year contract with the club.

The 35-year-old joined the Exiles in 2021 from Walsall and extends his stay at Rodney Parade into a fifth season.

A graduate of Brentford's youth system, Tzanev made his breakthrough with AFC Wimbledon, playing 126 times before signing a one-year deal with League One Northampton last summer.

He featured 23 times before the end of his contract at Sixfields and will now head to south Wales, although the length of his agreement has not yet been disclosed.

At 6ft 5in, Newport will hope the experienced stopper will solve issues at set-pieces with the side having been targeted at corners last season.

County finished 22nd under previous head coach Nelson Jardim, with former Manchester United academy coach Hughes named as new boss last month.

Townsend had been offered new terms to extend his seven-year stay at the club, but his move to Eastleigh was confirmed last week.

As well as Townsend, Newport have also lost experienced midfielder Aaron Wildig who opted to end his professional playing career.

A new deal has been offered to utility man Shane McLoughlin while County have also announced the signing of Wales midfielder Matt Smith.