NEWPORT County AFC have completed summer signings number 15 and 16 with the captures of promising young midfielders Noah Mawene and Jamie Miley on season-long loan deals, writes Andrew Penman.

Mawene, aged 19, joins from Preston North End, while 20-year-old Miley arrives from Newcastle United.

Both should be available for Saturday’s League Two trip to Morecambe, subject to EFL approval.

Mawene joined Preston’s youth academy at under-13 level and, after captaining the club’s under-18s at 16, he signed his first professional contract in 2021 before making his first-team debut the following year.

He signed a new two-year contract with Preston in February and has made seven appearances for the Championship club.

The son of French footballer Youl Mawene, his younger brother Theo also plays for North End.

“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 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.”

Miley made his Newcastle debut for the under-21s at the age of 17 in the Papa John’s Trophy, before featuring for Eddie Howe’s side during pre-season this summer.

“I felt Newport was the right place to come for my first loan,” explained Miley, the older brother of Newcastle’s Premier League regular Lewis. “It’s going to be a good opportunity for me and great experience.

“There was interest from Newport at the beginning of the transfer window and from that point on I started keeping a close eye on the club.

“I watched their first couple of games, and I could see there was a change in playing style, philosophy and a promotion goal.

“I think the style will suit my game. I’m predominately a holding midfielder, but I can play a more attacking role if needed.

“I trained with the Newcastle first team during pre-season, and then when I spoke to the manager, he felt it was the right thing for me to go out on loan and experience first team football in a tough environment.

“The aim now is to do as well as I can and prove myself to the players, management, fans and help get the club as high as possible to achieve its goals.”