Stockport sign Doncaster centre-back Olowu

Joseph Olowu played 39 times for Doncaster last season before a thigh injury ended his campaign in March

Stockport County have made their first signing of the summer transfer window after agreeing a three-year deal with Doncaster Rovers defender Joseph Olowu.

The 25-year-old centre-back was a regular in Rovers' League Two title-winning campaign last season and turned down the club's offer of a new contract to join County.

Olowu came through the academy system at Charlton Athletic before continuing his development at Arsenal.

After failing to break into the Gunners' first team, Olowu moved to Doncaster in September 2021 and went on to make 144 appearances.

County boss Dave Challinor, who signed a new three-year deal 24 hours earlier, said he was "great business" to sign Olowu and knows the player thought hard about leaving the Keepmoat Stadium.

"I know it was a big decision for him, as he'd had a great season and enjoyed his time there," Challinor said.

"He was a player that we tried to sign in January, but understandably Doncaster wanted to keep him in to assist in their objective, which they achieved.

"To pick him up on a free transfer is great business for us and in my opinion we have a player who is in his prime years, but also has real development in him."

Stockport are preparing for another shot at promotion from League One next season after losing in the semi-finals of the play-offs last term.