League Two transfer rumours and deals: defenders on move and Leeds United players linked

SOUGHT-AFTER DEFENDER JOINS NEWCOMERS

His goalscoring attributes from centre-half last season put him in the sights of higher-division clubs.

But Northampton Town's Fraser Horsfall has instead remained in League Two - and joined newly-promoted Stockport County.

Horsfall has signed a three-year deal with the big-spending Hatters, where the assistant manager is ex-Carlisle star Clint Hill and whose squad includes frontman Paddy Madden.

READ MORE: Ex-Carlisle United defender Rod McDonald reveals why he has joined Crewe Alexandra

"We believe that he can develop into a Championship defender as a minimum with his drive and determination, and the help and advice we can give him," said boss Dave Challinor of the new signing.

TRIPLE DEAL FOR U'S

Colchester moved into the market today by announcing three deals.

The U's have signed  Barrow-born midfielder Alex Newby after his departure from Rochdale.

Keeper Sam Hornby has rejoined the club from Bradford City.

And Emyr Huws has signed a new one-year deal in Essex.

Newby, speaking on the club website about his move, said: "I'm an attacking player, I like to dribble and be positive in possession. I like to get at teams and make things happen, getting goals and assists, and I want to be a positive player who can excite the fans."

DALE SNAP UP DONNY DEFENDER

Rochdale went into the market on Monday with a two-year deal for ex-Doncaster Rovers defender Cameron John.

The 22-year-old former Wolves man told the Spotland club's website: "As soon as I knew I was coming to Rochdale, I’ve been excited to get here and see the boys and get involved, get a good pre-season in and be ready for the first game of the season. 

“This club is giving me an opportunity to come and enjoy football and love football again, and I’m going to come and repay that faith and enjoy my time here.”

POOLS EYE LEEDS PROSPECT

Some of Leeds' young prospects are said to be attracting loan interest, with the Yorkshire Evening Post reporting that Hartlepool are monitoring wnger Stuart McKinstry.

They say he is set to sign a new deal before heading out in a loan move.

Stuart McKinstry

There is also speculation of a possible League Two loan switch for ex-Carlisle man Liam McCarron, while the BBC report that Harrogate Town are keen on striker Max Dean.

NEW DEAL FOR MARINER

Grimsby, back in the EFL after last season's play-off promotion, have handed defender Danny Amos a one-year deal.

It follows the short-term contract the left-back signed in January.

READ MORE: Ex-Carlisle United man joins big-spending League Two rivals

The Northern Ireland Under 21 international and former Port Vale and Doncaster Rovers player told the club website: "Back in January when I came in, I knew I only had six months and I was fully focused on helping the club get promotion, I wasn’t thinking about contracts at the time. But luckily the gaffer showed faith in me and I’m now buzzing to put pen-to-paper.”

HARROGATE DEAL IN TERRIERS MIDFIELDER

Matty Daly, formerly on loan with Hartlepool, has made another temporary switch from Huddersfield Town.

He has signed a season-long loan deal with Harrogate Town, where ex-Carlisle man Paul Thirlwell is assistant manager.

Terriers loan manager David Fox said: “Matty is really fired up for this loan. He wants to go there and show he can be one of the best players in the division.

"The way that Harrogate play should really suit his style, so we believe he is set up to have success there."

BANTAMS BACK IN THE MARKET

Bradford have been the busiest League Two club in the market this summer, and Mark Hughes has now made Hartlepool defender Timi Odusina his 11th signing so far.

The 22-year-old has joined for an undisclosed fee and signed a three-year deal.

Timi Odusina

Speaking in the Telegraph & Argus, Odusina said: "It feels great to be joining a club of this stature and is a massive relief for me to finally have this over the line.

“It is not every day you get to work under someone who has achieved what the gaffer has, both as a player and a manager, so it was a no-brainer."

NEW DEAL FOR STAGS VETERAN 

Experienced midfielder Stephen Quinn has signed a new one-year deal with losing play-off finalists Mansfield Town.

Manager Nigel Clough is delighted the 36-year-ol,d is remaining at the One Call Stadium.

“I thought he had an outstanding season and I’m delighted he’s re-signed," Clough told the club website.

“Although he may not be playing 40, 50 games next year, he will still be a great influence on and off the pitch."

CLUBS EYE GOALSCORING MIDFIELDER

Departing Woking midfielder Max Kretzschmar is being considered by clubs including Colchester United and Barrow, according to reports.

READ MORE: Paul Simpson issues challenge to returning Carlisle United players

He is out of contract and set to leave the Cards. Sky Sports reported on Sunday that the Us and Bluebirds are interested. 

CRAWLEY CHIEFS HAIL STRIKER SIGNING

Carlisle's first opponents of the 2022/23 season, Crawley Town, caught the eye with the signing of prolific Newport man Dom Telford.

And Red Devils co-chairman Preston Johnson says the deal underlined their ambitions.

Dom Telford

Johnson, from cryptocurrency group WAGMI United who bought Crawley earlier this year, said on Twitter: "The fact it's Dom, the guy who won the golden boot last year, is a really good signal... that Crawley Town is serious and we are competitive."