TRANMERE Rovers' manager Rob Edwards has signed defender Michael Ihiekwe on a two-year contract.

The 21-year old centre back's contract will come into effect on July 1 and he will join up with the squad for pre-season training two days later.

Ihiekwe, from Liverpool, came through the youth system at Wolverhampton Wanderers and signed his first professional contract three years ago.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Cheltenham Town, making 13 appearances for the Robins.

Manager Rob Edwards said: "I'm delighted to be able to bring in Michael.

"He's a very quick footballer, he reads the game well and is a player with lots of potential. He’s ambitious to play at a higher level and hopefully he will achieve that aim with us.

"He has come through a good youth system at Wolves and can play in the middle of defence and at right back so he gives us good options."

Michael added: "I'm very happy to be here. The manager has told me about his plans and they made me excited to join. I'm looking forward to working with him."

Michael is Edwards' third new signing this summer following the arrivals of Eliot Richards and Matt Gill, while Jason Koumas and Jake Kirby have extended their contracts with the Club and Sam Ramsbottom and Liam Davies have signed their first professional deals.