NEWPORT County AFC have made their first summer signing after confirming the arrival of Cardiff City midfielder Sam Bowen on a permanent deal.

The 21-year-old, son of Exiles favourite Jason, will head to Rodney Parade from the Bluebirds for an undisclosed fee when the window officially opens on June 10.

Bowen has been signed to slot in as a deep-lying midfielder with the ability to dictate play and drops down to League Two in order to push on his career with regular football.

County manager James Rowberry worked with the Wales Under-21s international in the capital and believes he is a perfect fit for the club.

"I'm delighted to welcome Sam to Newport,” said Rowberry. “I worked with him for 10 years during our time at Cardiff which makes me fully aware of his capabilities and what he can bring to the football club.

“His style of play suits us well and I have no doubt that he can be a continuation of our processes as we move forward, going into the forthcoming season.

“I'm excited for the club, Sam and Sam's family on getting this deal over the line and I can't wait to start work on the training pitch in preparation for next season.”

South Wales Argus: MOVE: Sam Bowen heads to Newport from CardiffMOVE: Sam Bowen heads to Newport from Cardiff

Bowen made five appearances for Cardiff last season after starting in the Carabao Cup clash against Premier League Brighton.

He featured in the Championship fixtures against Nottingham Forest, Coventry, Reading and Fulham in the autumn before suffering a foot injury.

That was followed by the exit of Rowberry and a change at the top with Mick McCarthy replaced by Steve Morison.

Bowen, who had a year to run on his Bluebirds deal, will hope that swapping the Championship for League Two will spark his professional career and help County enjoy another promotion bid.

His arrival boosts the midfield after loanees Jake Cain, Finn Azaz and Ollie Cooper returned to Liverpool, Aston Villa and Swansea.

He will also follow in the footsteps of his dad Jason, whose creativity made him an Exiles hero when playing in the Conference South between 2004 and 2008.

He scored 55 goals in 172 appearances in amber and won the FAW Premier Cup in his last season before reluctantly moving to Llanelli.