Cheltenham sign Payne on loan from Southampton

Young defender Lewis Payne spent last season with Newport County

Cheltenham Town have signed defender Lewis Payne on a season-long loan from Premier League side Southampton.

The 20-year-old has been with Saints' academy since the age of nine and made his first-team debut in the EFL Cup in 2022.

Payne, who can operate at wing-back, spent last season on loan with League Two club Newport Countym where he played 31 games, and having also previously had a spell with Eastleigh.

“I watched Lewis a lot last year when he was at Newport and I’ve looked at him when I’ve been at other clubs as well," said Robins manager Michael Flynn.

“Lewis is someone who is very good technically, coming from what is now a Premier League club who have got a very good academy."

Payne is Cheltenham's second signing this week after midfielder Harrison Sohna joined following a trial period.