FORMER Newport County AFC defender Regan Poole has signed for League One new boys MK Dons following his release by Manchester United.

The Wales U21 captain enjoyed a second spell at Rodney Parade last season after joining on loan from Old Trafford in the January transfer window.

Poole, who turns 21 next Tuesday, made 26 appearances for the Exiles in all competitions, playing a pivotal role in the team’s journey to the League Two play-off final.

His return to Newport came after he left for Manchester in September 2015, a year on from becoming the club’s youngest player at 16 years and 94 days.

“I’m delighted,” Paul Tisdale’s newest signing told iFollow MK Dons. “As soon as I heard that the club was interested in me, I was very excited and wanted to get the deal done.

“I spoke to the manager and he really interested me in the way he wants to work.

“I’ve played against the club a few times and played here at the stadium, and everything about the place just interested me. As soon as I knew they wanted me it was a no-brainer.

“This is a new stage of my career and I can’t wait to get started. It’s time to settle down, play some football and help this club be successful.”

Born in Cardiff, Poole joined the County academy as a scholar in June 2014 and had played barely 20 matches before being snapped up by then United boss Louis van Gaal.