Carlisle United star Aaron Hayden has today completed a move to National League club Wrexham.

The Blues defender and vice-captain has left Brunton Park for what the clubs have announced as an undisclosed fee.

Hayden has been handed a three-year deal by the Welsh outfit, who are owned by Hollywood pair Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny.

It ends a two-year stay at Carlisle for the popular centre-half, news of whose impending departure broke before yesterday's first game of the League Two season against Colchester.

Hayden was not involved in the Blues' matchday squad - and has now dropped a division to join the ambitious Red Dragons.

In a statement, United boss Chris Beech said they had received an offer that club bosses would have considered "naive" to turn down.

Hayden, meanwhile, said he was attracted by Wrexham's "vision", while he issued a personal statement saying Carlisle and Cumbria will always be in his heart.

United will now be expected to move to replace the 24-year-old defender, with just over three weeks remaining in the transfer window.

The centre-half, speaking on his new club's website, said: “I had a good talk with the manager [Phil Parkinson], who made me aware of the vision of the club, and the vision the chairmen had for the club, and that really motivated me to come and be part of that.

“I had a year left on my deal at Carlisle United, where I had two great years, and I have a lot of respect for them.

"It would have taken a lot to leave, but after speaking to the manager I’m really excited to be at Wrexham, and to get this club back to where it needs to be."

Parkinson added: “We are delighted to welcome Aaron to the football club. He brings pace and physicality, which is important, but more than that he is a great personality and we’re looking forward to working with him this season and beyond.”

United boss Beech admitted his disappointment at losing Hayden but said the defender had moved for family reasons as well as career ambitious.

“It’s never ideal losing a player so close to the start of a new season, especially one who you would class as being part of your first XI," he said.

“Since I came into the building Aaron has been a great lad with a great attitude. I spotted that young energy before I came to Carlisle and I felt that he should be given that opportunity to break through when I started, and he’s done just that.

“I’m delighted for what he’s achieved as a player and a young man under our direction in such a short space of time. It’s testament to Aaron that I brought him in as vice-captain last season, given the leadership qualities he’s building into his game.

“From a personal and footballing perspective I’d have preferred him to stay. But I appreciate it’s an opportunity that Aaron feels he wants to take to look after his family and progress his career in the way he feels is right for him, and I respect that."

Beech added of the ex-Wolves man's move: “He’s joining a club that has recently acquired new celebrity owners and they’re clearly determined to invest to try and achieve promotion out of the National League.

“They’ve brought an experienced guy in Phil Parkinson in as their manager, and he’d be aware of Aaron from the games we had against them when he was at Sunderland.

“Football finance often dictates these sorts of situations and sometimes offers for players present themselves that the football club would consider naive to turn down, given the circumstances.

“On behalf of myself, the players and everyone associated with the football club we wish him nothing but the best in his new chapter.”