FORMER Carlisle United loanee Jack Diamond has signed for Stockport County on a three-year deal. 

The 24-year-old joins the Hatters following his release from Sunderland this summer.

Following a period away from football due to personal circumstances, Diamond joined Carlisle United on loan from the Black Cats in January.

In this period at Brunton Park, the winger made 16 appearances for the Blues.

Speaking on the club's website after the announcement of Diamond's arrival at Edgeley Park, manager Dave Challinor said: "We are delighted to welcome Jack to the club.

"He’s been a player that we’ve liked for a long time and have tried to sign previously.

"The past couple of years of his career have been taken away from him through no fault of his own and he’s shown great resilience to get back playing, finishing last season on loan at Carlisle.

"We feel that with a pre-season under his belt and a platform to perform, we can get him back to the form he’s shown previously and we’re really excited to start working with him.

"He’s another quick ball carrier, likes to take defenders on, and has exceptional pace.

"He can play anywhere across the front and adds more threat to what is already a really strong-looking attacking unit."