Liverpool have handed trials to Newport County defender Regan Poole.

The teenager has had trials at Manchester United and Fulham were expected to sign him on a permanent deal back in January.

Newport County 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.

"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."