Striker Cole Stockton has left Carlisle United "by mutual consent" and rejoined his former club Trammere.

The frontman's disappointing Blues spell has ended two days before the start of the new League Two campaign.

The 24-year-old, who scored once in 12 appearances for Carlisle, has since completed a return to Prenton Park on a one-year deal.

Blues manager John Sheridan said the striker's departure from the wage bill will make it easier to bring in new signings.

Stockton had been under contract for this season but Sheridan admitted to the News & Star yesterday that the frontman was not first choice and could be a candidate to leave.

After his exit was confirmed today, Sheridan said on Carlisle's website: "I’ve been honest with Cole. I need to fill positions and I need finances, so I had to look at other things.

"This will allow him to go and play first team football, which is what he needs at this stage of his career."

Stockton's solitary Blues goal came in the 4-3 defeat at Wycombe in February, his second appearance for the club after joining in the January transfer window from Hearts under Keith Curle.

Sheridan reiterated that he still wants to bring in a new centre-half and a wide player, but said there would not be any deals before Saturday's game at Exeter.

He said: "This [Stockton]s departure] will hopefully make it easier for me to get those players in.

"I’ll be working hard now to try and fill those areas."

The transfer window for permanent signings closes next Thursday.

Tranmere boss Micky Mellon said he was "delighted" to have signed Stockton, who came through Tranmere's youth system and was at the club between 2011-17.

"We were disappointed to lose him last year so when we had the chance to bring him back, we felt it was what we wanted to do," Mellon said.

"The fans know all about him, he's a powerful striker and he showed us that last time he was here."

Stockton will link up with former United team-mate Mark Ellis at Tranmere.