NEWPORT County AFC academy graduate Dom Jefferies hopes to take his game to the next level in League One in the coming season.

The 22-year-old from Caerleon has signed for Lincoln City after two impressive campaigns with Gillingham in League Two.

The midfielder made 71 appearances for the Gills to catch the eye of the Imps, who have given him a two-year contract with a further two-year club option.

“It feels great to be here and I’m glad everything is done,” said Jefferies.

“Since I’ve been here everyone has been so welcoming, it already feels like home and I am sure the coaching team here can help develop my game to the next level. I can’t wait to get going.”

Dom Jefferies in action for Newport CountyMOVE: Dom Jefferies, pictured in action for Newport County, has signed for Lincoln

Jefferies made five appearances for the Exiles in the 2019/20 EFL Trophy and featured in the FA Cup win at Maldon & Tiptree.

He had a spell on loan at Salisbury in the Southern League Premier Division South and returned to them after being released in 2020 before heading for Brentford B.

The Gwent midfielder’s exploits earned a chance in the EFL with Gillingham and now he will progress to the third tier with the Imps, who missed out on the play-offs by two points last season.

Manager Michael Skubala added: “Dom will add real strength in depth for us in midfield and is different to the other midfield players we have recruited this summer.

“He can run all day but our recruitment department have also identified through data and live scouting, the intensity of his work, which is so important to how we want to play.

“He is another young player with the character and mentality we want, has the physical and technical attributes we were looking to add to the group and showed a huge desire to sign for us to trust the club with the next stage of his development.”

Jefferies joins former County loanee Rob Street in Lincoln after the striker was signed from Cheltenham.