Carlisle United have tonight brought Alfie McCalmont back to Brunton Park – on a permanent deal.

The former Leeds United midfielder, who impressed in a loan spell last season, has rejoined the Blues.

He follows fellow former loan man Jack Robinson into the club on the eve of pre-season training.

Leeds said Carlisle have paid an undisclosed fee to secure the midfielder's services.

McCalmont made 19 appearances for the Cumbrians in 2022/23 after joining them in the January transfer window.

He played a key part in United's successful promotion push and can now look forward to playing for the Cumbrians in League One.

United boss Paul Simpson said he was delighted with the double deal which was confirmed on Tuesday evening.

"They are two young, hungry footballers who have so much development to do," said Simpson, speaking at a fans' forum.

"We want this to be the stage for the next stage of it - we benefit, they benefit and hopefully it helps the club moving forward."

Speaking about McCalmont on the club website, meanwhile, Simpson added: "I’m really pleased that we’ve managed to get this over the line...eventually.

“He’s a player who I think has got some development to come, so I’m pleased we’ve got him in.

"He showed us the ability he’s got last year as well as the sort of character he is, and they’re the type of people we want here.”

“He’s a technical footballer with good energy about him, and I think we can be the next stage of his development. He’s by no means the finished article and we’re hoping that during the next few years while he’s with us he progresses even more and becomes a really valuable asset to us."