Newport County in contract talks with top scorer Will Evans

The 26-year-old will look to add to his 22-goal tally when the Exiles host Gillingham in League Two tomorrow afternoon.

Evans’ eye-catching exploits led to January interest and new County owner Huw Jenkins revealed that the club had turned down written offers.

The striker was linked with League One strugglers Carlisle while Forest Green were also said to be sniffing in a bid to boost their hopes of Football League survival.

“Honestly, I was in the dark completely,” said Evans. “I am not oblivious to it and I read things online and people were telling me about reports and articles.

“But it's not something I have really concentrated on and I wasn't aware of any of the clubs.

“I saw the statement from Huw Jenkins and that was the first I read of it. I was unaware of any movement and my feet were firmly on the ground, concentrating on Newport.”

Evans arrived from Cymru Premier Bala in the summer of 2022 on a two-year contract but the deal includes an option for an extra season that both player and club can trigger.

Newport County's Graham Coughlan and Will Evans (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“We have had some talks. Me and the gaffer have a really good relationship – open, honest and transparent,” said Evans, who added to his reputation with a goal against Manchester United last month.

“We are still discussing now internally getting on with it behind the scenes. We are dealing with it in-house and hopefully we can get something sorted.

“I am happy at Newport and it's something I don't focus on, there are still 15 games to play and a lot of points to be won. My full focus is on Gillingham this weekend and then ending the season on a high.”

Evans made an impression in his first campaign in the Football League, making 52 appearances and slotting in down the left as well as up front.

This season he has added goals to his graft but he is quick to acknowledge that there is still plenty of work to do.

GRAFT: Will Evans runs the channel for County against Wrexham (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“I've only been classed as a professional for 18 or 19 months and in my first year I always said I just wanted to play as many games as possible and do a job for the team,” said Evans, who scored four times in 2022/23.

“This season I had a real awakening and said I wanted to have an impact on the team rather than just being a reliable and versatile player.

“I was always happy to do what I could for the team but now I am in my favoured and more effective position.

“I am 26 and still learning every day, I love coming into training and developing. I am understanding the game a lot from seeing it every day and coming up against the top teams in the league.

“I still think there is a lot more to come and it's all about wanting to learn and develop, which I have always had because of my background.”

Evans has turned from a grafter into a goal threat and is in the running for the League Two golden boot, four behind Notts County’s Macauley Langstaff’s 22.

All strikers need a selfish streak but County’s top marksmen also points to mentality helping change his fortunes.

“I wouldn't say that I have been more selfish but I've had more belief in my ability,” he said. “I just feel that I am making better decisions and that comes from having confidence.

“I am probably taking on more chances and that comes from the belief that the manager and staff have instilled in me. You could call it being selfish but I'd put it more towards confidence and trust in my own ability.”