Former Carlisle United midfielder Alex Gilliead - who was rumoured to have been a Blues transfer target - has joined Shrewsbury Town.

Soon after the Shrews loaned Harrison Biggins to Carlisle, the League One club confirmed their move for Bradford City's Gilliead.

It sees the ex-Blues loan man return to the Croud Meadow for a second spell.

Gilliead takes Biggins' place in Paul Hurst's squad after signing a two-year deal.

He was allowed to move on from League Two club Bradford after spending the last three years at Valley Parade.

There had been some speculation among fans that Gilliead, who was on loan at Carlisle in the 2015/16 season, would be heading back to Brunton Park.

Instead he moves back up to League One, and Shrewsbury boss Paul Hurst told the club website: "He's a player we know well and have worked with before.

"He brings a lot of versatility and gives us options in terms of what system we want to play.

"In a small squad, we feel we need a player like that who can start or give us cover in different positions.

Gilliead played for United in the 2015/16 seasonGilliead played for United in the 2015/16 season (Image: LOUISE PORTER)

"He's a very good athlete with great experience.

"Over the years he's adapted his game and grown as a character so he will be a real leader within the group once he's settled in."

Gilliead made his Football League debut with the Blues after joining on loan from Newcastle United under Keith Curle in 2015.

He made 41 appearances and scored five goals for the Cumbrians.

Further loans to Luton Town and Bradford followed with Gilliead then joining Shrewsbury permanently in 2018.

A year later he joined Scunthorpe United and spent two campaigns at Glanford Park before returning to Bradford permanently.

The Bantams said: "Everyone at Bradford City AFC would like to thank Alex Gilliead for his fantastic contribution as a Bantam - and service to the club - and wish him the very best for the future."