Jack Marriott, the former Carlisle United striker who was linked with a Blues return, has joined Wrexham on transfer deadline day.

The experienced frontman has left Fleetwood Town to join the League Two big spenders on a permanent deal.

Marriott had been mentioned in reports during the January window that credited Carlisle and League One rivals Bristol Rovers with interest.

Blues boss Paul Simpson, though, played down the claims when speaking to the News & Star last weekend.

Simpson said he was targeting a frontman with greater physical stature than Marriott.

And the 29-year-old has now joined a Wrexham side pushing for a second straight promotion in the fourth tier.

Marriott has signed a deal at the Racecourse Ground until the end of next season, with Wrexham having paid an undisclosed fee to League One's bottom club.

Simpson knocked back talk of a move for Marriott, who was on loan at Carlisle from Ipswich Town back in 2014, when he discussed his attacking priorities.

“It’s not one that we're in for at all," the United manager said.

“I don't know what the situation is with him but we’re looking to try and get somebody who’s going to be a physical presence out there, and that's not the mould of a Jack Marriott.

“Whether we get them remains to be seen, but we're going to do everything we can before the deadline to try and get them.”

Wrexham have also brought in Salford City's Luke Bolton for an undisclosed fee on a deal until the end of the 2025/26 season.