Carlisle United sign Sam Lavelle from Charlton Athletic

The 26-year-old has become their fourth summer signing on a two-year deal.

Former Morecambe captain Lavelle has left the Valley after two years in order to join the Cumbrians.

The deal has been confirmed by United ahead of their first pre-season friendly at Annan Athletic tonight.

Lavelle made 41 appearances in two campaigns in south London having joined League One side Charlton from Morecambe in August 2021.

Lavelle, left, captained Morecambe to League Two promotion in 2021 (Image: PA)

He also had two loan outings for Burton Albion last term.

Previously he was a key man in Morecambe's rise to League One during a four-year spell at the Mazuma Stadium.

The Blackpool-born player made 165 appearances for the Shrimps in that time, culminating in their promotion via the League Two play-offs in 2021.

Lavelle, who is a former Scotland Under-18 and Under-19 international, is the third defender brought in by Paul Simpson this summer, along with former loanees Ben Barclay and Jack Robinson.

Their arrivals help to offset the departure of captain Morgan Feeney to Shrewsbury Town.

Simpson, who has also added midfielder Alfie McCalmont this summer, is next expected to turn his transfer attentions to United's strikeforce.