Carlisle sign defender Duru on one-year deal

Leo Duru made two substitute appearances in Major League Soccer during a loan spell at San Diego FC last year [Getty Images] Carlisle United have signed former Blackburn Rovers defender Leo Duru on a one-year contract, with the option of a further year. Duru, 21, was released by Rovers earlier this summer at the end of his contract and had been on trial with National League side Carlisle. He has previously had loan spells at Barrow and San Diego FC, for whom he made two substitute appearances in Major League Soccer in 2025. Carlisle boss Rob Elliot said of the United States Under-20 international: "Leo has come in and done really well in the games and training. "He has high energy, is a good one-on-one defender and also creates a real attacking threat. "He has been a pleasure to work with and will be a great addition on and off the pitch," Elliot told the club website.