Carlisle United have made midfielder Josh Vela their second signing of the day.

The former Fleetwood Town man has joined on an 18-month deal.

Vela could make his debut against former club Bolton Wanderers this weekend.

The 30-year-old joins Jack Diamond through the door as Carlisle take their tally of January recruits to six.

Vela has left League One's bottom club to join second-bottom United amid the League One relegation battle.

Blues boss Paul Simpson said of the signing: “He’s a leader with great experience.

"He’s played over 300 games and he’s a player we’ve been discussing for many weeks.

“We thought we were close around the time we played Fleetwood on Boxing Day but their manager changed and Josh went back into the team as captain."

Vela's deal with United includes an option for it to be further extended.

“He’s a player who we’re really pleased to get and we think he’ll be a good addition to our group.

“He’s a leader who will not only help us this season but will help us next year as well.”

Salford-born Vela came through the youth ranks at Bolton and went on to make 182 appearances for the Trotters.

He also made a loan move to Notts County during his time with the club, before leaving permanently in 2019 for Hibernian.

After a half-season spell in Edinburgh he joined Shrewsbury Town and spent two-and-a-half seasons at the Croud Meadow.

He then moved on to Fleetwood in the summer of 2022 and has made 81 appearances for the club, scoring twice.

News of United's move for a midfielder comes as it was revealed Owen Moxon has turned down the chance to sign a new deal at Brunton Park.

The Denton Holme favourite will instead let his current deal expire and look at his options in the summer, Paul Simpson said.