Dean, who has signed a one-year deal at Gigg Lane, was transfer-listed by Northwich last month and recently played in a trial game for Halifax.

He came on as a substitute for the Shakers in Saturday's 2-0 pre-season friendly victory over Barnsley.

"James is what you would call an old-fashioned centre-forward. He has power and pace, and an eye for goal," boss Chris Casper told Bury's website.