Carlisle United have today made former Blackburn Rovers attacker Dan Butterworth their sixth summer signing.

The 23-year-old has signed a two-year deal at Brunton Park.

Butterworth joins United's attacking ranks after being released by his Championship club at the end of last season.

He could be involved for the Blues for the first time in Saturday's pre-season friendly at Workington Reds.

Butterworth had been at the Ewood Park club for seven years, having joined them at 16 from Manchester United's academy.

He had two loan spells in League One during his time with Blackburn.

In the 2021/22 season he played 12 times for Fleetwood Town, scoring once, and last season made 34 outings for Port Vale, scoring four goals.

Manchester-born Butterworth also has 18 first-team appearances to his name at Blackburn, 17 of them as substitute.

News and Star: Dan Butterworth, right, in action for Port Vale last seasonDan Butterworth, right, in action for Port Vale last season (Image: PA)

He had been a prolific scorer at youth level for Blackburn, helping them win the Premier League 2 Division 2 title in 2017/18.

Butterworth joins fellow summer signings Jack Robinson, Alfie McCalmont, Ben Barclay, Sam Lavelle and Dylan McGeough through the door at United ahead of the 2023/24 League One campaign.

He also signs in time to be part of Carlisle's training camp in Scotland next week when the Blues are heading to the University of St Andrews.

Butterworth spoke about his departure from Blackburn in May when he said it was the right time to find a new footballing home.

“It’s been a big part of my life for a number of years now and I’ve really enjoyed my time there,” he said.

“I’ll always cherish moments like beating Arsenal away in the FA Youth Cup, when I scored my first big goal for the club as a young lad, when we won the league with the Under-23s and when I made my Championship debut against Bolton Wanderers.

“I’ve met some great lads, who I will remain in contact with, the club has helped me a lot in my career and has made me a better player, so I’m incredibly grateful for that.

“I think now’s the right time for me to leave, to try and get as many games under my belt as I can, and to find a permanent home where opportunities are there for me.

“I’ve enjoyed my time on loan at Port Vale, playing regular first team football and getting a few goals and assists to my name, and that’s just made me want to go and play even more games."