Newport County confirm exit of key defender Matt Baker after he rejects deal offer from the League Two club. The 23-year-old centre-back was a leading figure when the Exiles avoided relegation to the National League after stepping up to the role of captain. The former Wales Under-21 international, who was called up to the senior squad in the summer of 2024, was offered fresh terms by Newport but will move on at the end of his current deal. It is a second swift blow for Christian Fuchs' side after winger Bobby Kamwa turned down a new contract. "Newport County can confirm that Matt Baker has decided to explore new opportunities after turning down an improved contract offer at Rodney Parade," read a club statement. Baker first joined the Exiles on loan from Stoke in January 2023 and returned for a second spell the following season, helping the club go on a lucrative FA Cup run that was ended by Manchester United. The defender, who was occasionally deployed in midfield, signed a permanent move from the Potters in the summer of 2024 and made a total of 144 appearances for Newport. Baker and Kamwa have decided to leave County, who last month announced that they were also in talks with defenders Cameron Evans and Ciaran Brennan and midfielders Michael Spellman and Keenan Patten. Newport, who continue to look for investment, face a summer rebuild after narrowly avoiding the drop from the Football League. The statement said: "Newport County now continues planning for the upcoming campaign as squad preparation and recruitment work continues."