Newport County are set to fill their goalkeeping vacancy with the signing of free agent Nik Tzanev.
The New Zealand international was released by Northampton Town after just one season at the club, where he racked up 23 appearances for Kevin Nolan’s side. He was a regular starter over the winter months but fell behind Lee Burge in the pecking order during the last stretch of the League One season.
Exiles Agree Deal
According to the South Wales Argus, County have struck an agreement with Tzanev to join the Rodney Parade club, replacing the outgoing Nick Townsend. The long-time servant decided to reject a new contract at the club and has since gone on to join National League outfit Eastleigh.
The confirmation of his transfer will be completed once the goalkeeper returns from international duty, with the 28-year-old featuring in the New Zealand squad against Ukraine and the Ivory Coast, however he did not play in either match.
Tzanev is an experienced figure in lower league football, having played for four straight seasons for AFC Wimbledon in both League One and League Two. It is believed that he will be in competition with existing substitute goalkeeper option Jacob Carney for the honours of being the first choice in David Hughes’ squad.
Writers’ View
It is a summer of all change at Newport County with Nelson Jardim, Aaron Wildig and Nick Townsend all moving on so far. With a new manager in place, The Exiles needed to find an experienced shot stopper to replace Townsend and Tzanev is a good choice to do that. Whilst he may not have had a particularly strong experience with Northampton Town last season, he has been solid across his career and is a dependable option in League Two. Whether he becomes the first-choice goalie remains up in the air, with the younger Jacob Carney being another candidate
