Carlisle United Football Club have today signed striker Cole Stockton on an 18-month deal which keeps him at Brunton Park until the summer of 2019.
Stockton, 23, came through the youth ranks with Tranmere Rovers and scored 23 goals in 115 appearances whilst with the Prenton Park outfit, having signed his first professional deal with the Lilywhites in 2012.
Manager Keith Curle said: “He's a player who is at an age where he's hungry to be making his mark and playing regular games.
"I tried to get him in the summer but the attraction of the SFL proved to be too much and we lost out on that occasion.
"There's been a lack of game time for him with Hearts through the first half of the season, and that has been frustrating for him. He's a player who hasn't yet fulfilled his potential and I can tell from having spoken to him that he's determined to use this opportunity to push on."
On what we can expect to see from the new arrival, he said: "He's a player I've watched while he was with Tranmere and Morecambe.
"He has skillsets and attributes which will add to the striking options already inside the building and, as I said, he has a burning desire to show people what he's all about.
"He knows he needs to get up to speed quickly, in terms of match fitness, but that's a challenge he's ready to face. He wants to score goals and he adds another dimension with his physical presence.
"He's very good with his back to goal and he enjoys that physical side of the game. He's the type of player who can use that to his advantage and bring others into the game off the work he does.
"We're looking forward to working with him."
Stockton had loan spells with Vauxhall Motors, Southport and Morecambe as he cut his teeth in the game, and he was snapped up by Scottish Premier League outfit Hearts as he made the move north of the border during the summer.
He played 15 games for the Jam Tarts before making the move back to England today.
This move remains subject to the clearance of all relevant paperwork.
Cole Stockton will wear squad number 23 for United.