Carlisle United have signed out-of-contract goalkeeper Ben Williams from Crewe Alexandra.

The 25-year-old turned down a new deal at Crewe and has signed a three-year-deal at Brunton Park after four seasons and 150 games with Alex.

Williams progressed through the Manchester United academy before joining the League One side.

The goalkeeper becomes manager John Ward's second summer signing after Bournemouth defender Josh Gowling.

Crewe Alexandra manager Steve Holland was disappointed to lose Williams' services but believes Carlisle have made a shrewd acquisition.

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"He's a young goalkeeper, very rarely injured and has a good record in playing the games, has experience of playing in the Championship and last year had a good season for Crewe," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"He's a good shotstopper, good with shots in and around the penalty area and several times rescued and saved points for us last season.