Aaron Lewis set for Mansfield move after Newport County exit

The 25-year-old confirmed on Sunday evening that he was leaving the Exiles after three seasons and 102 appearances.

Lewis, a full-back who is comfortable on either flank and impressed in midfield last season, was with the Stags on Monday.

The former Wales Under-21s international has caught the eye of Nigel Clough and will boost a squad that missed out on the play-offs on goal difference in 2022/23.

Aaron Lewis with Mansfield assistant manager Gary Crosby (Image: Social Media)

"Aaron Lewis from Newport is training with us," said Clough. "We are hoping to get something agreed with him.

"He is a full-back and maybe occasionally midfield, we are aware that we need cover and we only have one fit right-back at the moment in Callum Johnson.

"Aaron will give him some competition, which will be good, and he can fill in other positions as well."

Right-back Cameron Norman and central defender Priestley Farquharson turned down contract offers in favour of moves to MK Dons and Walsall respectively.

Lewis, whose uncle Kenny Morgans was a Munich air disaster survivor with Manchester United and is in County’s hall of fame, thanked the Exiles for his spell with the club after being on the fringes at Lincoln when first arriving.

“The time has come for me to say goodbye to Newport County," Lewis posted on social media.

"I've got nothing but great things to say about this club. Throughout the past three years it's helped me grow as a player and a person, and most importantly got me back to enjoying football.

"Thanks to the gaffer, staff and everybody else working at the club, I've learned a lot in my time here as well as making some friends for life.

"Last but not least, big thanks to the Amber Army for the support you gave home and away for every single game and making me feel at home from minute one.”

Lewis was initially brought in on loan by Michael Flynn but found chances hard to come by due to EFL rules.

County could only name five loanees in a matchday squad and the Exiles, who had Liam Shephard and Ryan Haynes as starting wing-backs, were using Brandon Cooper, Scott Twine, Jamie Proctor, Jamie Devitt and Saikou Janneh.

Lewis left Lincoln in the January transfer and returned to Rodney Parade on a free, forcing his way into the first team and starting in the League Two play-off final defeat to Morecambe at Wembley.

He largely operated as a left wing-back in the last two campaigns due to Norman cementing himself down the right.

Graham Coughlan shifted the verstaile defender to midfield in the second half of last season, something that Flynn and James Rowberry had occasionally done.