Newport hope new signing Jephcott can face Manchester United

The 23-year-old from Aberystwyth joins from St Johnstone after being granted a free transfer by the Scottish Premiership side.

Jephcott has trained with his new teammates is now waiting for EFL approval ahead of the clash with the Red Devils at Rodney Parade.

If that comes, manager Graham Coughlan could put the striker on the bench to face the Premier League giants as back-up for the partnership of Will Evans and Seb Palmer-Houlden.

County need to get Jephcott up to speed after he endured a frustrating spell in Scotland but the former Wales Under-21s international has the pedigree to be a hit in Newport.

DEAL: Luke Jephcott has signed for County (Image: Newport County)

“Luke is a natural goalscorer and an honest character,” said Coughlan. “We did a lot of background research on him and felt we had the right character to fit into our group.

“He’s had a bit of a sticky patch in Scotland but he will take chances and finish while he will work as hard as the rest of the lads.

“He is one of those ‘fox in the box’ type of strikers and give him half a chance and he will put it away.

“Luke will be a really good addition, we just need to get him up to speed and give him the chances. I am sure he will revel in the opportunities that we give him.”

Newport County striker Luke Jephcott (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

Jephcott has signed a deal beyond this season as County, now under the ownership of former Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins, look to become a club with sellable assets.

“It’s a permanent signing and that was quite refreshing,” said Coughlan, who is also chasing more recruits before the February 1 deadline as long as they are the right fit.

“We have gone down the loan route quite a few times but it’s great with the backing of Huw to get a permanent signing. That is a step in the right direction.”

Jephcott came through the ranks at Plymouth Argyle and scored 37 goals in 118 appearances before moving on loan to Swindon last season.

He struck seven times for the League Two club – including the winner against the Exiles at the County ground – before moving to Scotland in the summer.

Jephcott was told by boss Craig Levein, who was appointed in November, that he was free to find a new club and is relishing a fresh start with County.

“I’m very happy to be here,” he said. “I’m glad we got it over the line so quickly as well.

“I’m really looking forward to getting going. I’ve heard it’s a fantastic group of boys, so just can’t wait to get in amongst it.”

County have been down to top scorer Evans, Bristol City prospect Palmer-Houlden and academy graduate Kiban Rai as their forward options.

Bogle is out until March while Offrande Zanzala is on the comeback trail from ruptured knee ligaments and featured in a training match this week along with centre-back Kyle Jameson.