Jack Stretton has left Carlisle United - and signed for rivals Stockport County.

It has been confirmed that the Derby County loan man has cut short his spell with the Blues.

And he has instead made a permanent move to their fellow League Two club at Edgeley Park.

Stretton, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, has a previous loan spell with the Hatters.

He now joins the 13th-placed club permanently on a two-and-a-half year deal.

United had hoped to hold on to Stretton for the season but Stockport, who have strong financial backing, have made their move for the 21-year-old.

It leaves Carlisle’s injury-hit strikeforce short of another option, with Paul Simpson expected to make moves to bolster his attack soon.

Stretton could come up against the Blues when Stockport visit Brunton Park on April 18.

He scored two goals in 23 appearances for the Cumbrians in the first half of the season, and injured his hamstring in his final appearance on New Year’s Day in the 2-1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers.

Carlisle boss Paul Simpson told the club website: "We’re obviously disappointed that Jack has been recalled, but it was something we knew might happen.

"He’s been absolutely fantastic to work with, he’s a really good lad and I’m sure he’ll go on and have a very successful career with the attitude and ability he’s got.

"Our challenge is now to find a replacement to come into the group, and I hope we can do that soon."

Stretton scored three goals in five loan appearances for Stockport in 2021 and manager Dave Challinor, whose assistant is the ex-Blues defender Clint Hill, said: “Jack made a big impression the last time he was at the club, not only with the staff and players, but with supporters as well.

"He’s still young, and is someone we feel has real potential to develop, improve and become a top goalscorer.

“What we have to do now is work with Jack to build his body to become more robust, and keep him on the pitch as often as possible to allow him to showcase his ability and develop as a player.”