Carlisle United have tonight clinched the loan return of striker Joshua Kayode.

The Rotherham frontman, who impressed for United last season, is returning for a season-long spell.

The 19-year-old's return is likely to prove popular with fans after Kayode hit three goals in five games last term.

He is the second striker to join the Cumbrians today after boss Chris Beech secured the earlier signing of Gavin Reilly.

Beech had kept tabs on Kayode since the 2019/20 campaign was curtailed because of the Covid-19 outbreak.

The frontman was keen on a return to Carlisle and will now hope to spearhead their attack in the new League Two season.

Kayode attracted interest from other clubs after his quick impact for United last term, when he scored against Forest Green, Mansfield and Newport.

That came after a January loan move as Beech helped steer the Cumbrians away from relegation danger.

Beech tonight said Kayode always wanted to return to Carlisle, adding: "JJ knows what we're about and he knows the way I want to play. He knows the environment, he loves the supporters and the location, and he's made friends here.

“We've become his extended family and he's a young man with a great future ahead of him. He’s scored goals for Carlisle already and he was determined to finish as our top goal scorer when we brought him in. 

“JJ wanting to come back also confirms to me that we're doing things in the right way. He’s embracing our development, having had options to go elsewhere.

“Ultimately he's a Rotherham player and Paul Warne and Richie Barker have an opinion on where's best for him to come, and the pleasing thing is all parties believe that's with us. 

The season-long deal, which includes a January recall clause, will see long-throw expert Kayode reunited with fellow attackers Omari Patrick and Lewis Alessandra, with whom he played last season - while he will have another striker colleague in former Bristol Rovers and Hearts man Reilly, 27, who signed a one-year deal.

The deals for Kayode and Reilly followed Monday's signings George Tanner and Rod McDonald, with more new faces set to be confirmed soon.