FORMER Newport County AFC loan star Scott Twine has moved to Milton Keynes Dons on a long-term deal.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder will stay in League One when he moves from relegated Swindon Town next month following the end of his contract.

The Dons will pay a compensation fee for the highly-rated Twine, who had the Exiles dreaming of promotion thanks to a superb first half of the campaign.

Playing either in midfield or behind the striker, he helped County set the pace heading into 2021.

In 24 appearances Twine scored seven times – including goal of the season contenders against Cambridge, Colchester and Oldham – and provided seven assists.

Alas, his form led to the struggling Robins recalling him in January and Newport’s form dipped before they made it to the League Two play-off final.

Had Twine stayed then County, who made a bid to sign him permanently in January, could have been plotting a League One campaign but instead he is heading for Stadium MK.

South Wales Argus:

“I'm over the moon,” he said. “I'm an MK Dons player and I couldn't be happier.

“There were a few clubs interested but after I spoke to the gaffer (Russell Martin) he sold it to me. From that day, I couldn't wait to sign and get it sorted.

“I wanted to come here and play football the way we do, and I want to bring lots of goals and assists.

“This is a club that is only going in one direction and that's up.

“The stadium is state of the art and to think I'm going to be playing here every week – I just can't wait!”

Twine’s breakthrough season put him on the radar of clubs even higher up the pyramid and Martin believes his club have pulled off a coup.

“It is a big signing for us – not only because of the ability he possesses but because of how he suits our style of play,” said the manager.

“He plays in a number of different positions and you can just see the quality he has with the type of goals he scored last season, as well as the assists he made.

“Character is also important and he has that – he works extremely hard out of possession.

“He was wanted by a number of clubs but we’ve been able to act quickly in bringing him into the Club. He’s desperate to be here and I know he’s very excited to get going - we’re just as excited to have him here.”