Midfielder Sam Foley is closing in on a move to St Mirren.
The 32-year-old free agent is expected to complete a switch to Paisley after Newport County boss Mike Flynn revealed his club had been outbid by a Scottish Premiership side.
Jim Goodwin is chasing experience to bolster his Buddies squad after an unconvincing start to the season saw them bow out the Betfred Cup.
And Foley will provide power as well as a goal threat in the middle of the park.
The 32-year-old made 151 appearances for Newport in three years from 2009 to 2012, scoring 38 goals before moving on to Yeovil Town and then Port Vale.
He join Northampton two years ago and scored five times in 68 appearances for the Cobblers.
Foley had been in talks with Newport over a return to Wales.
But County boss Flynn said: "I've spoken to Sam. He’s had a very good offer from a Scottish Premier League club and I just wasn't in the position to offer him (anything to match that offer). We didn’t even discuss terms.
"I wanted to have a look at him. He's a great lad and somebody I've got a lot of time for but I think the deal that he'll get in Scotland will blow anything we could have offered out of the water because we're right at the top of our budget."
Foley took to social media to rebuff claims he was swayed by money.
"I'm quite proud to say I've never made a decision based on money in my whole career," he said on Twitter.
"The next chapter will be somewhere that will improve me as a player and a person and perhaps I'll go to a club that will show a desire to want me.
"I've got some amazing memories from my time at Newport and it was always a dream to come back but sadly it wasn't to be. Sure they will have another great season like last."
