By Tom Prosser
Newport County have completed the signing of midfielder Ollie Cooper on a season-long loan deal from Swansea City.
The winger becomes County’s 14th addition of the summer transfer window and has penned a contract until the end of the 2021/22 campaign, with Swansea having the option to recall him in January.
He is the son of Kevin Cooper who played for the likes of Cardiff and Wolves before a spell at Newport County during the 2008-09 season.
After finalising the deal, Cooper said: “It was a last-minute dash to get it all done in time but I’m really glad to be here and hopefully I can show people what I can do when I’m given the opportunity to get on the pitch.
“The way they play football is exciting and it suits me because I’m someone who likes to get on the ball.
“Brandon Cooper was here last season and I spoke to him a lot about the club, and he said that he loved being part of the group, so it was an easy choice for me when I heard they were interested.
“I know the gaffer well because he’s good friends with my dad and the conversations I’ve had with him have been positive.
“He sees me playing in a number of positions depending on the system that he wants to play so I’m excited to get going now.”
Manager Michael Flynn added: “Ollie is a player that we kept close tabs on last season and I’m sure he will add a lot of quality to our midfield.
“He was rewarded with a two-year deal at Swansea last season, but he’s still a young lad and eager to learn which he will do with us.”
The 21-year-old made his debut in an Emirates FA Cup third round win over Stevenage in January earlier this year and then scored his first goal for the club in the Swans’ victory against Nottingham Forest in the following round.
He has also represented Wales at under-19 and under-21 level, with the winger making his debut for the latter when he was 19.
Cooper follows in the footsteps of his Swans team-mate and namesake Brandon, who spent the first half of last season’s campaign on loan with the Exiles, and will wear the number 31 jersey during his time at Rodney Parade.