Cumbrians complete double signing

Anyinsah was also a target for Brighton & Hove Albion

Carlisle United have won the race to sign Preston North End winger Joe Anyinsah for an undisclosed fee.

Anyinsah, 24, had also been a target for two other League One clubs including Brighton & Hove Albion.

Sunderland midfielder Graham Kavanagh has also joined the Cumbrians as player/coach on an 18-month contract after a loan spell with the club.

"This is a new challenge for me, but it's one that I'm looking forward to." Kavanagh told BBC Radio Cumbria.

Anyinsah, who began his career at Bristol City, spent three months on loan at Brunton Park last season.

"He brings pace and power and bit of creativity, and he can chip in with the odd goal or two," Carlisle manager Greg Abbott said.

Kavanagh has made 17 appearances on loan for the Cumbrians

"We saw last time just how much of an impact he can have on a game when he is on the top of his form and we'll be looking for more of the same again.

"He's an exciting player and I'm looking forward to working with him."

Anyinsah made his Bristol City debut against Torquay United in August 2004 before a loan spell at Hereford the following year.

He opted not to sign a new contract at Ashton Gate at the end of the 2005-06 season and joined Preston North End on a three-year deal.

After a one-month loan stay with Bury, Anyinsah joined Carlisle in September 2007, making 12 appearances and scoring three times.

Loan spells at Crewe and Brighton followed earlier this season, scoring the Seagulls' second goal in their Carling Cup second round win against Manchester City at the Withdean.

Hopefully we will continue to build on the improvements that have been made recently

Carlisle player-coach Graham Kavanagh

Kavanagh, 35, has made 17 appearances and scored four goals for Carlisle since joining on loan in October.

The former Stoke, Cardiff and Wigan player had just six months left on his contract with the Black Cats and was released by Ricky Sbragia to allow him to take up his new post.

"I'm looking forward to combining the playing and coaching side of things and hopefully we will continue to build on the improvements that have been made recently," Kavanagh told the club's website.

"There are some very good players here and it will be good for me to be able to help Greg in what he is trying to achieve."

Abbott said: "We've already seen the influence that Graham brings in to the dressing room and out on to the pitch, and that's what experienced players can do for you.

"I think this is a very good signing for us, and I'm looking forward to working with him."