Jack Diamond: Carlisle United sign Sunderland winger and Fleetwood's Josh Vela

Jack Diamond came through Sunderland's academy

Carlisle have signed Sunderland winger Jack Diamond on loan and Fleetwood captain Josh Vela on an 18-month deal.

Earlier this month Diamond, 24, was cleared of raping and sexually assaulting a woman.

He had a loan spell at Lincoln City last season terminated after he was initially charged in March 2023.

"This is now an opportunity for Jack to move forward in his life after an extremely challenging period," said Carlisle chief Nigel Clibbens.

"We recognise the judicial process has been followed. Having been subject to the law of the land, tried in front of a jury and acquitted, he is now able to move on.

"We want to help him do that. We believe this is the right thing to do, and that our fans will support this and give Jack their full support too."

Diamond has made 45 first-team appearances for Sunderland and also had three loan spells at Harrogate Town between 2019 and 2022, scoring 18 times in 76 games.

Midfielder Vela, 30, has made 28 appearances for the Cod Army this season and goes straight into the squad for Saturday's game against his former club Bolton.

Neither club has disclosed whether a fee has been paid for the former Shrewsbury player, whose contract includes the option of an extension.

Carlisle manager Paul Simpson told the club website: "He's a leader with great experience. He's played over 300 games and he's a player we've been discussing for many weeks.

"We thought we were close around the time we played Fleetwood on Boxing Day but their manager changed and Josh went back into the team as captain."

Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.