Evans faces spell out as Patten signs for Newport
Newport County's Kieron Evans is facing at least a month on the sidelines with a calf problem but the Exiles have signed fellow midfielder Keenan Patten.
Evans, who joined the Exiles on loan from Cardiff City in August, picked up the injury during last Saturday's win over Barrow.
Newport say Evans, who has scored twice in 30 appearances this season, will be out for between four and six weeks.
But Patten will give boss Nelson Jardim another midfield option with Newport announcing his signing, subject to EFL approval.
Newport announced Patten's arrival on Tuesday afternoon but say his signing was lodged with the EFL before the transfer window closed on Monday night.
The 23-year-old has agreed an 18-month deal at Rodney Parade having most recently played for Cymru Premier side Barry Town United.
"I'm absolutely delighted to join the club," said Cardiff academy graduate Patten.
"I'm excited for the challenge of League Two football and I can't wait to get out there."
After signing a professional contract with Cardiff in 2019, Patten had loan spells at Hereford FC in the National League North and Penybont before making a permanent move to AFC Fylde in August 2022.
Patten, who has represented Wales at youth international level, then spent 18 months at Barry.
He becomes Newport's sixth signing in the mid-season transfer window, following Lewis Webb, David Ajiboye, Tom Davies, Josh Martin and Jaden Warner.
