Carlisle United midfielder Harrison Neal has left the Blues to join League Two rivals Fleetwood Town.

The former Sheffield United man has departed after a year at Brunton Park.

The move sees him reunited with manager Pete Wild, under whom he played at Barrow.

Neal could face a quick reunion with the Blues, with Carlisle due to take on Fleetwood at the Highbury Stadium next weekend.

The 23-year-old's departure is the latest move in a January overhaul of the Cumbrians' squad.

And it follows an influx of midfield players signed by head coach Mike Williamson this month.

Neal joined the Blues under previous boss Paul Simpson in last January's transfer window.

The combative midfielder went on to make 47 appearances, scoring one goal.

Neal is Fleetwood's third signing of the window and could make his debut for Wild's side against Salford City on Saturday.

He has signed an 18-month deal with League Two's 16th-placed club, Neal having had another 18 months left on his Carlisle contract.

Carlisle boss Williamson, who is set to oversee more departures and arrivals at Brunton Park, said on the club website that he could not guarantee Neal regular first-team football.

"We’d like to thank Harrison for his efforts during his time with us," he said.

“We loved his personality and character, but he wanted to play every week, and we didn’t want to stand in his way of doing that. 

“It’s an opportunity he wanted to explore, and it gives him the chance to go and work with a manager he knows. We wish him all the best.”

Williamson this month has so far brought in five midfielders in Will Patching, Elliot Embleton, Callum Whelan, Sean Fusire and Stephen Wearne.

They have also brought in defender Paul Dummett and striker Cedwyn Scott, whilst selling Jon Mellish to Wigan Athletic, releasing Tyler Burey and Ben Williams, and also seeing loanees Daniel Adu-Adjei, Dominic Sadi and Harrison Biggins recalled by their parent clubs.