NEWPORT County AFC have completed their 15th summer signing with the capture of promising young Preston North End midfielder Noah Mawene on a season-long loan deal, subject to EFL approval.

The 19-year-old joins Nelson Jardim’s squad before Friday night’s transfer deadline and should be available for Saturday’s League Two trip to Morecambe.

A product of Lytham Town, he joined Preston’s youth academy at under-13 level and went on to captain the club’s under-18s while he was just 16.

The midfielder impressed enough to sign his first professional contract with the club in June 2021 before making his first-team debut as a substitute in Preston’s 4-1 victory over Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers in December 2022.

He signed a new two-year contract with the Championship outfit in February 2024 and has made seven appearances for the first team.

The son of French footballer Youl Mawene, who played in one of Preston’s best teams of the century, his younger brother Theo also plays for the club.

“I have been at Preston since the age of 13 and probably in my comfort zone a bit there,” said Mawene. “I needed to open my eyes to life away from Preston.

“The loan was something I was looking for and after speaking to the head coach [Jardim] and his assistant [Dafydd Williams] I think Newport is perfect for me.

“They are ambitious and the way they want to play is brave. The objectives of where the staff and players want to get to really appealed to me.

“I’m here to develop and improve because as far as I’m concerned, I haven’t accomplished anything yet. I’ve played a few first team games at Preston, but at 19 I haven’t had a career yet.

“I’ve watched the Newport highlights from this season and there is a lot of talent in the squad. The team will always come first, and it’s something I want to be part of because I think I can thrive in this squad and environment.

“But actions speak louder than words and I’ve got to prove what I can bring to the table.”