WILL Evans has Dom Telford in his sights after staying at Newport County AFC to become a 20-goal striker.

The 26-year-old passed the milestone when getting the Exiles back on level terms in the 2-1 win against Swindon last Saturday.

Evans is on 20 goals in all competitions, a figure that means he has beaten Omar Bogle’s tally that won the golden boot last season.

The top scorer has scored 16 in League Two and if he bags four more in the 17 games left then he will follow Telford, who in 2021/22 became the first County player to hit 20 in the EFL since John Aldridge in 1984.

Telford, now hunting promotion with Barrow, ended on 25 in the league to claim the division’s golden boot.

Evans is four behind 2023/24 pace-setter Macauley Langstaff of Notts County and the Exiles will hope he keeps banging in the goals to help them climb League Two.

South Wales Argus: PARDON? Will Evans celebrates in front of the Swindon fans after scoring for CountyPARDON? Will Evans celebrates in front of the Swindon fans after scoring for County (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

The striker was on the radar of several clubs in the January transfer window with new owner Huw Jenkins confirming that the club “turned down a number of written offers”.

Evans signed on a two-year contract in 2022 with both player and club having the option of triggering an extra year.

It is the same situation that led to Offrande Zanzala staying for a third year last summer while recovering from ruptured knee ligaments.

The contract clause means that County have protected their asset and will be able to command a fee in the summer should Evans look to test himself at a higher level.

However, the Wales C international is loving life at Rodney Parade and was unfazed by January speculation.

South Wales Argus: HAPPY: County striker Will EvansHAPPY: County striker Will Evans (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

"I've heard rumours, I've seen things online and people send me stuff, but I'm a Newport County player," he said.

"Every time I step on the pitch, I love representing the club. For me it's all background noise, it's nothing to do with me.

“If that's happening in the background then so be it. I knew I was staying here and I just want to keep proving to the fans that I can still do it for Newport. I love it here.”

After scoring against Manchester United and Swindon, Evans will aim to make it three games on the spin when County travel to Walsall on Saturday.