Joe Lewis: AFC Wimbledon sign Stockport defender on permanent deal after loan spell

Joe Lewis (left) started his career with Swansea but did not make a league appearance for the Welsh side

AFC Wimbledon have signed on-loan Stockport centre-back Joe Lewis on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old Welshman has scored three goals in 28 appearances since joining Wimbledon on loan in July.

"He's been brilliant for us and an ever present in the team when he's been available to play," Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson said.

"When it looked like we might be able to do something with Stockport, we were desperately keen to make it happen."

Lewis started his career in the Swansea academy before moving to Torquay and then Stockport, where he played 24 times.

"It's an important move for me," Lewis told the Wimbledon website. "I'm playing good football and feel I can kick on with the club now.

"Our aim has to be pushing for promotion - if we're playing League One football next season, that'll be great."

Wimbledon, who currently hold the final play-off position in League Two, have also announced that Stockport have activated a recall option in the loan deal for Connor Lemonheigh-Evans.

The 26-year-old winger scored three goals in 17 appearances for the Dons.