By Wayne Veysey

23rd Jun, 2021 | 1:57pm

Sources: Salford City agree to sign Shephard from Newport County

Salford City are poised to sign defender Liam Shephard on a free transfer from League Two rivals Newport County, Football Insider has learned.

The 26-year-old is out of contract at Newport at the end of this month.

Shephard has turned down the offer of a new deal to make the move to Salford.

An industry source has told Football Insider that Salford have looked to take advantage of Shephard’s contract status and have now reached an agreement over signing him.

Shephard will sign a two-year deal at Salford and is set to become their second new signing of the summer following the arrival of Josh Morris.

Salford boss Gary Bowyer is a big admirer of Shephard and sees his versatility making him a valuable member of his squad ahead of next season.

Former Swansea man Shephard joined Newport from Forest Green Rovers last September and made 52 appearances in all competitions last season.

Losing Shephard will come as a big blow to Newport having already lost the likes of Joss Labadie and Josh Sheehan since the end of last season.

Salford are expected to be busy in this summer’s transfer window as they look to build a side capable of winning promotion from League Two next season.

Bowyer guided the club to an eighth-place finish last season, two points outside the play-off positions, after taking over in March.

Meanwhile, Newport finished in fifth before being beaten in the play-off final by Morecambe last month.

In other news, Salford City are in a five-club race to sign a young Brentford forward