[themaclad]

Ben Lloyd has joined Newport County on loan until January and agreed a one-year extension to his Swansea City contract.

Attacking midfielder Lloyd's previous Swansea deal was due to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, but he is now tied to the Championship club until the summer of 2027.

Academy product Lloyd, 20, has signed for Newport having already spent time training with David Hughes' squad.

"He'll bring us good balance in midfield. He's versatile so he can play further forward and in the pockets," said Exiles manager Hughes.

Swansea hope Lloyd will get the chance to play regular first-team football with the League Two club.

Lloyd also had a stint training at Cheltenham Town this summer.

"It's a great feeling to get the deal over the line," said Lloyd, who joined Swansea as a 12-year-old.

"Ever since I've arrived, everything has been so positive with the gaffer and the boys. I feel like I've settled in really quickly and I can't wait for the season to start."

The Wales Under-21 international made his senior debut as a late substitute in Swansea's win over Queens Park Rangers last December and also came off the bench as Alan Sheehan's side drew with Oxford United on the final day of last season.

"Ben is a talented young player who enjoyed an excellent 2024-25 campaign," said Swansea director of football Richard Montague.

"We believe the chance to gain further EFL experience will be of great benefit to his development, as it was for Cameron Congreve and Joel Cotterill last season."

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Liam Shephard has rejoined Newport County following his departure from League Two rivals Salford City.

The defender, 30, made 52 appearances - scoring two goals - for the Exiles during the 2020-21 season prior to his switch to Salford.

The Swansea City academy product has signed a one-year contract at Rodney Parade.

"I'm absolutely buzzing to be here and get everything over the line," said Shephard.

"The first thing I'm looking forward to is being able to play in front of the Newport County fans, because my first spell was during the Covid season, so I never really got to have that full experience of representing the club. So I'm really looking forward to that."

On working under Newport boss David Hughes, Shephard commented: "We've had some really good discussions on how and where he wants me to play, and we share the same values and ambitions to try and take us forward.

"I'm not here just to play games, I'm always trying to push my ambitions and expectations as far as I can. So I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in and helping the squad progress."


Hughes said: "I'm delighted to welcome Liam into the squad. He's vastly experienced, he's an outstanding character and he'll be an excellent addition into the changing room because of his professionalism and high standards.

"He definitely adds outstanding quality to the squad, so we're really pleased to bring him in and to add more competition for places."

Shephard's father, Garry Shephard, scored 47 goals in 136 appearances for the Exiles between 1999 to 2005.

Meanwhile, Jacob Carney's contract with the Exiles has been cancelled by mutual consent.

The 24-year-old former Manchester United goalkeeper - who made six appearances last season - has joined Northern Irish semi-professional side Glenavon in the NIFL Premiership.

"Newport County would like to wish Jacob good luck with his new challenge and thank him for his service," a club statement read.