NEWPORT County AFC have added competition for the start at left-back by signing Tom Davies on a permanent deal from Cardiff City.

The defender, who came off the bench for the Bluebirds in their FA Cup win at Sheffield United last week, has signed a 18-month contract with the Exiles.

The 21-year-old is the third signing of the January transfer window and will battle with Anthony Glennon for the start down the left.

Glennon, who is arguably more suited to wing-back or midfield, was backed up by versatile Shane McLoughlin and Cameron Evans in the first half of the campaign.

Wales Under-21s international Davies intends to push on his senior career by making the short trip to Newport from the capital.

“I’m delighted to get the deal done. It’s been a long time coming, and I think this is the right move for me at this stage of my career," he said.

“I’m 21 now, so I’ve had a few loans and played a bit of first-team football, but I’m ready to push on and play as many games as I can. I feel this is the right place to do that.

“It’s a club that suits my style of play - looking to play out from the back and play attractive football.

"That was really appealing to me because I can use my technical ability to contribute to that. I’m just really looking forward to getting started.”

MOVE: County have signed Tom Davies from Cardiff (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency)

Davies came through the ranks at his hometown club and made his Cardiff debut in a Carabao Cup clash against Sutton United in August 2021 before having time out on loan with Pontypridd United.

Last season he gained experience at Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership, making six appearances, and he was given a new one-year Bluebirds deal last summer with the option of an extra season.

Davies was an unused substitute in the Championship games against Hull, Sheffield United and Oxford plus Southampton for the Carabao Cup.

He came on against Sheffield United in the FA Cup win in Yorkshire but has now opted to make the short trip to Newport in order to get regular game time.

Davies is predominantly a left-back but can also operate in midfield and at the heart of the defence.

He said: “I’d say my technical ability is a big part of my game, and I can play in a few different positions.

“I grew up as a midfielder and was signed by Cardiff in that role. I played there for a few years before being moved to left-back because I’m naturally left-footed.

“I’d say I’ve got good delivery and a strong left foot. Over the last couple of years, I’ve worked a lot on my defensive game - things like one v one defending and heading - especially after transitioning from midfield to defence.

“Playing centre-half this year has helped me improve even further. I feel like I’ve come on leaps and bounds defensively, and I’m excited to show that here.”

Goalkeeper Lewis Webb, a free agent after leaving Swansea last summer, became County's first signing of the window and on Thursday a loan move was announced for Peterborough winger David Ajiboye.