Derby County boss Paul Warne has spoken about the club's decision to sell former Carlisle United loan man Jack Stretton to Stockport County.

The Blues had been keen to keep striker Stretton, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Brunton Park.

But their League Two rivals Stockport swooped to sign the 21-year-old on a two-and-a-half year deal.

Warne said the fact Stretton was out of contract in the summer, and would not be earning a new deal, meant the Rams were ready to sell him in this transfer window.

"Jack did well at Carlisle and they were interested in him, but we were not going to renew his contract," said Warne, speaking in the Derby Telegraph.

"I didn't want to stand in the lad's way. He's somebody's son and could have been my son. I just think it's a good move for him to advance his professional career.

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"He goes with our best wishes and he will always be talked about here, but he wasn't going to stay.

"Come the summer that opportunity might not have been there for him. He goes with our best wishes."

United boss Paul Simpson had previously spoken of Carlisle's keenness to hold onto Stretton for the season.

He said he was "disappointed" Derby had recalled him, ahead of his switch to Stockport, but admitted there was always a risk of it happening.

Simpson, speaking on United's website after the move was confirmed, said: "Our challenge is now to find a replacement to come into the group, and I hope we can do that soon."

Stretton made 23 appearances for Carlisle, scoring twice. United have not yet commented on the extent of their own attempts to sign the striker.