NEWPORT County AFC have signed promising striker Chanka Zimba on a season-long loan from Cardiff City.

The 20-year-old will spend 2022/23 at Rodney Parade with the Championship club having the option to recall the forward in January.

Zimba was on the books of Blackburn before moving to Cardiff in 2020 and, after starring for the under-23s, made his debut at Preston in November last year.

The striker went out on loan to Northampton in January and played his part in the Cobblers’ promotion bid, although he was largely used off the bench.

Zimba scored one goal in his 13 appearances, two of which were starts, but County manager James Rowberry is confident the young talent will flourish in the Newport environment.

South Wales Argus: SIGNING: County have brought striker Chanka Zimba in on loan from CardiffSIGNING: County have brought striker Chanka Zimba in on loan from Cardiff

“I am really pleased with this signing,” said the boss, who worked with Zimba in the capital. “He is 6ft 2ins and should thrive for us in a front two.

“Chanka can run the channels but he is a goalscorer and is dangerous in the box, almost like a big Dom Telford.

“He is a poacher who has proved he can score goals at under-23 level and has the potential to take the next step.”

Zimba, who scored nine times for the Bluebirds in the Professional Development League last season and is under contract until 2024, is part of a rejig up front for County.

Targetman Alex Fisher was released at the end of the season and loanees Rob Street and Timmy Abraham went back to Crystal Palace and Fulham respectively, although Abraham has since been let go.

Courtney Baker-Richardson turned down an offer from the Exiles in favour of a two-year deal with League Two rivals Crewe Alexandra while Dom Telford is likely to follow him out of the exit after his remarkable 26-goal season.

Lewis Collins remains on the books, striker Will Evans has signed from Bala in the Cymru Premier and Rowberry is now looking to seal a move for an experienced forward.

Zimba is the second summer arrival from Cardiff after midfielder Sam Bowen agreed a move for an undisclosed fee.

Current County senior squad
Goalkeepers: Nick Townsend, Joe Day
Full-backs: Cameron Norman, Aaron Lewis
Central defenders: Mickey Demetriou, James Clarke, Priestley Farquharson
Defender/midfielders: Scot Bennett, Matty Dolan
Midfield: Robbie Willmott, Sam Bowen, James Waite
Forwards: Lewis Collins, Will Evans, Chanka Zimba