DARLINGTON have completed a deal for former Leeds United academy graduate Alex Purver, who becomes their eighth signing of the summer. 

The 25-year-old was most recently at Swedish side Ostersunds SK with his contract coming to an end in December last year.

After starting his career at Elland Road, he had an intial loan spell at Yorkshire club Guiseley before making a permanent move to Nethermoor Park. 

Purver spent three years at Guiseley making over 50 appearances for the club before moving to Sweden in the summer of 2019.

The midfielder made the move back to England just as COVID heavily impacted the non league fixture schedule with the National League North season eventually being declared null and void.

After signing for the Quakers, Purver told the club website: "I was back in the UK in January time and obviously COVID kind of taking over but when this opportunity came along I was delighted to get something sorted and sign here.

"I would say centre midfield is my best position whether that's kind of as a holding player, starting up attacks and breaking up player, or using a bit of my energy and trying to get around the pitch and influence things in an attacking sense as well. 

"I'm really excited. Obviously I think the club has got massive ambition and massive potential.

"From being in with training with the lads, I think we've got to aim for that and have a really successful season."

Manaer Alun Armstrong said: "Alex is a combination of Will Hatfield and Joe Wheatley – he has a bit of everything.

"He’s got plenty of energy, gets up and down the pitch and assists, rather than scores, goals. He will give us something different in midfield."

Purver becomes Darlington's eighth summer signing following the arrivals of George Smith, Tommy Taylor, Lucas Martin, Kallum Griffiths, Joey Hope, Lexus Beeden and Junior Mondal.