Salford City are set to complete a move to sign Newport County defender Liam Shephard, D3D4 Football understands.

The 26-year-old was offered a new deal at Rodney Parade but now looks set to move to The Exiles’ promotion rivals.

Gary Bowyer was impressed with the right-back this season as Mike Flynn’s men reached the League Two play-off final for the second straight season.

County were defeated in controversial circumstances by Morecambe following a disputed penalty which means another year in the fourth-tier for the Welsh club.

Despite being offered new terms, D3D4 Football understands an agreement has been reached with the Ammies that will see Shephard sign a two-year deal at the Peninsula Stadium.

He becomes the third key member of last season’s Newport squad to head for the exit after Josh Sheehan signed for Bolton and Joss Labadie moved up the road to Walsall.

Shephard is a classy player who predominantly plays down the right flank but also spent part of last season as the right centre-back in a back three.

It is likely new signing Cameron Norman will take his place in that position next season with Newport also adding keeper Joe Day and midfielder Ed Upson so far this offseason.