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Carlisle United have signed Manchester City utility player Chris Chantler on an 18-month deal following a successful loan spell at Brunton Park.

The 20-year-old joined on a temporary basis in November, and made his debut for the Cumbrians in the FA Cup defeat by Charlton last month.

"Chris is one who we think will develop into a really good footballer," .

"He has been here for six weeks already and we like him a lot."

Chantler was with City from the age of nine and progressed through the academy ranks to earn a place in the club's Elite Development Squad.

He made his first-team debut on his birthday in a in December 2010.

But further opportunities were limited by the quality of the first-team squad at the Etihad Stadium, and the game in Italy was his sole senior appearance.

"Man City have set the deal up in a fantastic way for us, and it made it easy for us to make a decision on bringing him here," Abbott added.

"He's a player who we think will come in, really find his way and then a little bit further down the line we think he will make a real impact."

Neither side have confirmed whether Carlisle have paid a fee for the youngster.