Ben Barclay is back at Carlisle United - on a permanent deal.

The 26-year-old defender has signed a two-year contract with the Blues.

It sees last season's loan star rejoin Paul Simpson's squad ahead of the new League One season.

Barclay's return to Brunton Park was the subject of mounting speculation after he last night agreed to cancel his contract with Stockport County.

And man whose play-off header against Bradford City (watch below) sent the Blues to Wembley last month has now sealed his comeback to Carlisle.

He is their third summer signing, joining fellow former loanees Jack Robinson and Alfie McCalmont in signing permanently with United.

Barclay made 17 appearances for Carlisle in an often injury-hit 2022/23 season.

But he became a vital part of the side during the run-in and scored United's winner in their 1-0 victory at Barrow.

He then went on to write his name in Brunton Park folklore with the extra-time header that won the play-off semi-final second leg against the Bantams.

Barclay was not allowed to play against his then parent club in the Wembley final, but celebrated with the Blues after their penalty shoot-out victory over Stockport.

And he now moves up a division with Simpson's squad.

Barclay's arrival strengthens United's defensive options in a week when captain Morgan Feeney joined Shrewsbury Town.

The new signing has League One experience from his time with Accrington Stanley from 2019-21.

United boss Paul Simpson, speaking on the club website, said he was "delighted" with the deal.

He added: "I thought he showed us last season what he brings to the group.

“He’s another addition who we know all about, and he knows all about us. This is another that’s taken a little bit more time than we would have liked but thankfully we’ve got him over the line now.

“He’s only missed the first couple of days of testing but I know he’s been in at Stockport this week, so that means he joins us in a good, physical state. I’m looking forward to getting back to working with him.

“I want a really tightly knit and competitive squad and he certainly adds to that. He has a calmness about him as a footballer and he ticks the box in terms of being young, but with some good experience behind him.

“There’s still loads of development for him to do, in my opinion, and hopefully we’ll all benefit from him doing that with us.”