Carlisle United have today sealed the signing of former Sunderland midfielder Ethan Robson.

The 27-year-old has signed a two-year deal to become the Blues' fifth summer arrival.

Robson was at Brunton Park this morning to complete a medical before his move to join Paul Simpson's squad was confirmed.

He was a free agent having been released by MK Dons at the end of last season.

Durham-born Robson started out at Sunderland and, after loan moves to Dundee and Grimsby Town, joined Blackpool permanently in the summer of 2020.

After two years at Bloomfield Road, he followed a loan switch to MK with a permanent move in 2022.

He has made 60 appearances, scoring once, for the Stadium MK club.

He now returns north to try and play a key part in United's bid to bounce back after relegation from the third tier.

Robson joins Aaron Hayden, Jude Smith, Cameron Harper and Terell Thomas through the door at Brunton Park so far this summer.

Manager Simpson remains keen to bring in a right-sided defender as well as bolster his attacking options.

Speaking on the club website about Robson's arrival, Simpson said: "Ethan is a really good footballer. He’s left-footed so he gives us a little bit more balance in that area. 

Robson, right, started at Sunderland before spells at Blackpool and MK DonsRobson, right, started at Sunderland before spells at Blackpool and MK Dons (Image: PA)

“We’ve got quite a few players who you’d say were a number six type midfielder who can control the midfield, whereas Ethan is a little bit more forward-thinking.

"He’s got good legs about him to go and get forward and get in the box. 

“He’s got a wand of a left foot for finding that pass. In the past couple of seasons he hasn’t been the one getting the assists for goals, but he’s the one finding the pass that leads to the assist. 

“I want him to add more goals to his game, when you’ve got a sweet left foot like he has, I want him to go and test goalkeepers. 

“We’re trying to get competition in all areas, I want it to be a really competitive group, and Ethan will add to that. 

“He’s also a really good character and he’s got good experience. I think all of the players we’ve brought in so far have been the same.”

Robson will wear the number seven shirt vacated by Jordan Gibson.