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Former Carlisle United star McCarron leaves Leeds for Championship club

Liam McCarron (photo: PA)
Liam McCarron (photo: PA)

Former Carlisle United prospect Liam McCarron has left Leeds United for Stoke City - and the Blues could benefit.

McCarron has made a permanent move to the Championship side for an undisclosed fee.

It ends a three-year stay at Elland Road for the Appleby player.

And the Cumbrians could benefit through a sell-on clause.

Details of the deal have not been revealed, but upon McCarron's sale to Leeds in 2019, former United director of football David Holdsworth said the Blues had a "favourable sell-on clause" in the deal.

The 21-year-old made one first-team appearance for Leeds, in the 4-1 Premier League defeat to Arsenal last December, having played for the club's under-23s on the wing and more recently at left-back.

The Scotland youth international had been linked with a League Two loan move earlier this summer but has now opted for a second-tier switch.

Stoke boss Michael O'Neill, after handing McCarron a three-year deal, said: “Liam is a young man but he has already shown that he can deal with the challenge of first-team football.

"He’s hungry to learn and progress his career and we are really pleased to have secured his services for at least the next three years.”

McCarron, speaking to Stoke's website, added: "I’m very pleased to get it over the line.

“It’s been going on for a little while, so I’m glad to finally be here.

“I had a few chats with the manager, and this place felt like home. He made it feel like I was at home, and I would be given a chance to play in the first team.

“He told me that I was wanted here and how he wants me to prove to everyone that I can play week in, week out.

“I think it was time for a fresh challenge. I’m at that age now that I want to be playing regular first team football.”

Preston-born McCarron came through the youth ranks at Brunton Park and made 20 first-team appearances in the 2018/19 season.

United have not yet commented on any potential proceeds from the deal.