Former Carlisle United loan striker Ashley Nadesan admitted the pull of home was a big factor in his decision to join their League Two rivals Crawley.

The frontman's move to Sussex on a three-year deal was confirmed this afternoon shortly after his departure from Fleetwood was announced.

Nadesan had been strongly linked with a move to the Red Devils from an early stage in the summer.

The 24-year-old will now line up against the Cumbrians next season after linking up with Gabriele Cioffi's side.

Carlisle had remained interested in Nadesan since his half-season loan at Brunton Park ended in January, but he has opted to return south.

Indeed, the move sees him join the club he supported as a boy, and Nadesan today admitted moving closer to home was a big factor in his decision.

In an interview on Crawley's website he said: "Speaking to my family since the end of the season, I always wanted to come to a team closer to home, and I couldn’t have picked a closer one, as Crawley's my home town.

"It was a hard decision [leaving Fleetwood] - they had a great training ground, and the staff and players were great to me in my three years there - but what swung it coming to Crawley was it's my home town and my boyhood team, being a Crawley fan when I was younger. It's a great feeling."

His deal at Crawley comes after League One side Fleetwood confirmed contract talks had ended with the striker.

A statement from Fleetwood said: "Fleetwood Town can confirm contract talks with Ashley Nadesan have now ended and the striker will leave the club.

"Nadesan made 24 appearances for the Cod Army, scoring two goals since joining from Horley Town in 2016.

"All at Highbury Stadium would like to thank Ashley for his efforts whilst at the club, and wish him all the best in the future."

Nadesan spent the first half of last season with the Blues, who then failed in an attempt to bring him back for the second half of the campaign.

He had previously been with United on loan in the latter months of the 2017/18 campaign.

In total he scored 13 goals in 43 appearances for the Brunton Park club.

Crawley boss Cioffi said: “Wow. I’m delighted to have Ashley with us. He’s a local lad who has had two good years at Fleetwood and Carlisle and now he’s decided to come home, which is great for us. He can play in wide positions or up front and he is a goal threat.

“I think he can play a major part for us next season and beyond and I am really looking forward to working with Ashley. I am pleased he is now part of the Crawley Town family.”