Carlisle United confirm Brentford keeper Jack Bonham as their first summer signing

The 23-year-old has joined the Blues on a half-season deal until January 1.

Bonham had been linked with United for much of the summer and yesterday the Bees confirmed he was heading to Brunton Park.

United only said they had held "positive talks" with the keeper and that the deal had not been finalised.

But 24 hours later they have confirmed the deal has gone through.

Speaking on United's website, manager Keith Curle said: "Jack is a young goalkeeper who was flagged up to us as a very good prospect.

"The only thing lacking for him now is games. He needs to create a profile for himself and we think we can be a stepping stone for him to go onto bigger and better things.

“He’s been training in some very good environments and what he needs now is to test himself and play first team football.

“The six-month loan means that, because of where we are logistically, if it isn’t right for him it gives him an opportunity to curtail it in January.

"Likewise, if he doesn’t perform as I think he’s going to, then there's an opportunity for us to look elsewhere if needs be.

"However, we've brought him here because we don't think that will be the case at all. He needs to establish himself and he'll be competing for the number one jersey.

"He has all the attributes, he’s a good size and he's technically very good with his feet. I think that was probably one of the selling points for us, but also for him.

"We put demands on our goalkeepers because of our style of play and we see this as a natural progression for Jack."

Former Watford man Bonham, who has made eight senior career appearances so far, will join his new team-mates for the first day of pre-season training tomorrow.

His arrival comes after Carlisle's two senior keepers, Mark Gillespie and Max Crocombe, left the club after the end of last season.

Bonham agreed a new one-year deal at Griffin Park before heading to United as their first summer signing.