NEWPORT County boss John Cornforth, has completed the signing of long-term target Kwame Ampadu, the former Swansea City player.

Ampadu, 34, has signed on the dotted line for County after leaving previous club Exeter City in the close season.

Ampadu began his career in the Arsenal youth set-up and enjoyed spells at West Brom and Leyton Orient. Known in football circles as 'Pat', Ampadu is expected to play a pivotal role for County next year in central midfield, an area in which they were short of options for much of last season.

He has signed a one-year contract and his signing, unlike some big name buys by Peter Nicholas last season on two year deals, has not put a huge dent in Cornforth's budget - meaning he will still be able to strengthen his squad with further signings.

Cornforth is delighted to have got his man. He said: "Every player I bring in this summer is a player who I believe can take us on a step or two and Kwame is certainly a very talented player who can bring a lot to us, mainly in terms of experience."

Ampadu becomes Cornforth's fourth signing of the summer, after goalkeeper Nathan Vaughan and strikers Cortez Belle and Matt Green.