Midfielder Owen Moxon has left Carlisle United and joined League One leaders Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee.
Blackpool were also interested in the 26-year-old but the lure of possible Championship football on the south coast next season proved too much for Moxon.
He had joined his home-town club on a two-year deal during the summer 2022 transfer window from Annan and made 82 appearances for the Blues, scoring nine goals.
Having left United’s Academy as a 16-year-old Moxon started his senior career across the border with Queen of the South, where he made 10 appearances before joining Annan where he played 115 times.
United manager Paul Simpson told the club’s official websiyte: “With the situation we’re in with Owen saying he wasn’t prepared to sign a new contract, we felt it was best for all parties that he moves on now.
“Owen believes this is the best opportunity for him and we have reluctantly accepted the offer for him.
“He played an important part in our promotion last season, and I’d like to thank Owen for everything he’s done and wish him all the best in the future.”
Chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: “Owen’s contract was due to expire at the end of the season so it was in the best interests of all parties that he was allowed to leave in this window.
“The transfer fee that we will receive by doing this deal now, compared with nothing in the summer, makes sense for the club and means we can reinvest.
“As a key member of the promotion winning team, his place in the club’s recent history is secured and I’m sure all fans will remember what he did for the club and wish him well.”
There will be much speculation on the size of the fee, given that Blackpool were reported to have made a £300,000 bid in the summer but officially the two clubs will leave it undisclosed.
Moxon has agreed a three-and-half-year deal with Pompey and is the club’s fifth new arrival this month, following Matt Macey, Myles Peart-Harris, Callum Lang and Tom McIntyre.
Speaking for the first time as a Pompey player, Moxon wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Absolutely delighted to be here! Can’t wait to get out in front of the fans. Ready for the challenge ahead. Thank you to everyone for the messages of support.”
Portsmouth fans won’t have to wait long to see Moxon in action, with Pompey playing host to Northampton at Fratton Park on Saturday.
