Gateshead swoop for defender Lankshear

Gateshead have signed defender Alex Lankshear on a one-year contract with an option for an additional year.

The 23-year-old, who is the older brother of Middlesbrough striker Will Lankshear, played 35 games for Boston United last season before going on loan to Ebbsfleet.

He cited the presence of manager Lee Cattermole as one of the attractions for the move to the north-east.

"I'm a defender that loves to defend his goal but also attack the goal," he told the club website, external.

"One of my goals this year is to get better in attacking. One of the reasons I wanted to come here is that I think he can really develop my game on that side of things.

"At this stage in my career it's about progressing. He played at the top levels and I feel he can progress me as a player."

Lankshear could make his debut in Gateshead's first home National League game of the season against Woking on Saturday.