Newport County sign Charlie McNeill and Calum Kavanagh on loan

Image source, John Peters

Image caption, Charlie McNeill (centre) won four England Under-16 caps, scoring once

Manchester United forward Charlie McNeill and Middlesbrough striker Calum Kavanagh have joined Newport County on loan for the rest of the season.

McNeill, 19, has made one senior appearance for United, as a substitute in September 2022's Europa League game at home to Real Sociedad.

Kavanagh, also 19, signed professional terms at the Riverside in 2020.

The son of ex-Cardiff City captain Graham Kavanagh has won four Republic of Ireland Under-17 caps.

"I'm delighted to get the move over the line, I've been wanting to get a loan this window and this managed to come around so I'm really happy," Kavanagh said.

McNeill has scored three goals in five games for United's under-21 side in the EFL Trophy this season.

"I'm really proud and honoured to be representing this club," said McNeill.

"I know it's a big club and a family-based club and I'm just really happy to be here.

"The gaffer made me feel really comfortable as soon as I spoke to him, he was really nice, he really sold it to me.

"I can't wait to meet the lads, get training and hopefully play the game on Saturday."

Newport, 19th in League Two and five points above the relegation places, are are at home to promotion-chasing Swindon at the weekend.

A schoolboy with Manchester United, McNeill joined Manchester City's academy where he reportedly scored over 600 goals.

The Droylsden-born forward returned to Old Trafford in the summer of 2020 and scored 24 goals in 21 goals in the Under-18 Premier League.

Last season he scored 17 times in 32 games across five competitions for United's youth sides in Premier League Two, the Under-18 Premier League, the FA Youth Cup, the Uefa Youth League and the EFL Trophy.

Newport have also clinched January deals for Stoke defender Matt Baker and Port Vale midfielder Harry Charsley.

Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.