Tomlinson played for Barrow in their FA Trophy final win over Stevenage

Port Vale have signed Barrow goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson on a free transfer.

The 25-year-old, who will officially join Vale on 1 July, has penned a one-year contract with the Valiants after rejecting a new deal at Holker Street.

Tomlinson, who had a trial at Vale Park last summer, told BBC Radio Stoke: "That was a good learning curve for me.

"But I do feel better for having that year's experience with Barrow in the Conference and hopefully from 1 July I can take things forward."

Former Crewe Alexandra man Tomlinson's arrival comes following the departure of Joe Anyon (to Lincoln City) and Daniel Lloyd-Weston from Burslem.

Tomlinson will compete with Chris Martin for a starting berth in the Vale side.

"We don't want Chris Martin to get complacent," said Vale manager Micky Adams. "We want real competition and Stuart gives us that.

"He's physically strong and he wants to get back into the full-time ranks."

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