WILL Evans has completed a transfer to English League two side Mansfield Town.

The Llangedwyn raised former Llanfyllin High School student has agreed a two year deal with the Stags with the transfer believed to be close to £200,000.

It is the first transfer fee Newport have received since 2018.

The 27 year old netted 21 goals in League Two last season, despite the club finishing 18th in the division.

He joins a club who are back in the third tier for the first time since 2003, Mansfield having finished third in League Two behind Stockport County and Wrexham.

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“I’m buzzing to be here,” Evans told the club website. “I can’t wait to start this new challenge. I’m over the moon to be here and will give my all for the club.”

Newport always expected interest in Evans this summer and triggered an extension to his contract at the end of last season.

County chairman Huw Jenkins said: “We are obviously disappointed to lose Will after such a good campaign last season.

“But he is in the last year of his contract and expressed a strong desire to test himself at a higher level. We discussed the situation with Will and his agent over the summer and we agreed that if a reasonable offer came in then we would both move forward with clarity.

“The club is still at a rebuilding stage after a difficult few years financially, so it was an offer we couldn’t turn down at this stage in our journey.”

Former Cardiff Met player Evans joined Newport from Cymru Premier League side Bala Town in May 2022.

The club gave me an opportunity two years ago and I can easily say it’s been the best two years,” said Evans. “For now it’s time to say goodbye, to undertake a new challenge, one that I personally couldn’t turn down.”

Evans backed up his impressive league tally last season by scoring in the 4-2 FA Cup defeat to eventual winners Manchester United, finishing with 25 goals in all competitions.

“Will’s a striker who we’ve watched for the past 12 months and feel he will complement the team and the other forwards in the squad,” said Stags boss Nigel Clough.

“He gives us something different and his goals return last season was excellent.”