ADAM Chapman has left Oxford United to join Newport County for an undisclosed fee.

It marks a return to the south Wales club for the 23-year-old, who played five games on loan during the 2011/12 season.

Chapman finished last season on loan at Mansfield Town, helping them win the Blue Square Bet Premier with four goals in 11 games.

The midfielder was in talks to make the move permanent, but the deal fell through and he has agreed to join fellow League Two new boys Newport instead.

County boss Justin Edinburgh said: “Adam was with promoted champions Mansfield this season and he’s a great asset to the team as he gets forward and score goals which will fit into the style of football we want to play here next season.”

Chapman, who signed a two-year contract at United last summer, made 110 appearances for the club after joining from Sheffield United in January 2009.