Forest Green Rovers have announcing the signing of defender Baily Cargill from MK Dons.

The 25-year-old has signed on an 18-month contract, with Rovers boss Mark Cooper calling him their 'number one target' to replace Liam Kitching - whose transfer to Barnsley was confirmed on Tuesday.

Cargill started his career at Bournemouth - and while breaking through from the club's academy, the left-footed centre-back made his senior debut on-loan at AFC Totton versus Forest Green in the FA Trophy back in 2012.

Several loan spells with the likes of Coventry City, Fleetwood Town and Partick Thistle soon followed - before he joined Russell Martin's side on a permanent basis in August 2018.

While at Stadium MK, Cargill made 68 appearances, scoring one goal - which came as a late equaliser against Doncaster Rovers earlier this season.

On making the move to Nailsworth, Cargill said: "I'm really pleased to get the deal done, it's come around so quickly. It's a nice coincidence that I played my first senior game here so it's nice to come back.

"I spoke to a lot of people who all speak highly of the manager and his style of football. We played out from the back at MK so it's something that I'm used to and I'm comfortable on the ball.

"It's good to have a free week and a free weekend so I can get settled in with the lads before the first game. That should really benefit me and I can't wait to get started."

Head coach Mark Cooper said: "We're delighted to get Baily across the line so quickly. He was our number one target to replace Liam Kitching and he's going to be a great player for us. He's a talented footballer with a great left foot who can defend well.

“He's won promotion from this level, and it's great to have that bit of experience in the key moments. He'll slot into our defence well, and he already knows Jordan Moore-Taylor, Chris Stokes and Scott Wagstaff, which will only improve the great bond we have in the squad."