....rivals Southport following a successful loan spell.

Osborne, who scored during Saturday’s 2-0 win at Curzon Ashton, has signed for the Hatters on a two-year deal until the end of the 2019/20 season.

The 22-year-old has impressed everyone at Edgeley Park since re-joining the Hatters in September, including manager Jim Gannon, who told https://www.stockportcounty.com: “Elliot has been outstanding since returning to Edgeley Park and I’m grateful to the Board that they’ve been able to allocate the additional funds to make this happen.

“Elliot has been a great addition and it has shown in our improved form since his arrival. It is great to finally work with Elliot on a permanent basis as we both have the security and knowledge of working together for mutual growth. I trust that as he matures and develops as a player that it will add to our own growth as a team and club.”

Osborne’s return to Edgeley Park has coincided with the Hatters enjoying a nine-match unbeaten run and clocking up six wins from the past eight fixtures.

The talented midfielder first joined County in January 2017 and scored one goal in six appearances before returning to his parent club Fleetwood Town.

He left the Cod Army last January to join Southport for an undisclosed fee, signing an 18-month deal at Haig Avenue. But Gannon kept a close eye on him and was able to bring him back to County. Since returning to Edgeley Park, he has scored one goal and made eight appearances for the club.

Osborne started his career as a youngster at Port Vale, spending nine years at Vale Park before spells at Newcastle Town and Nantwich Town, where he caught the eye by scoring 22 goals from midfield in 2015/16.

He has also gained experience during loan spells with Tranmere Rovers and Morecambe.

Meanwhile, pacey winger Kallum Mantack has been allowed to leave Edgeley Park following the expiry of his short-term deal.

Mantack originally joined the Hatters on loan from Oldham Athletic a year ago, but his loan spell was cut short after scoring the winner against Alfreton Town when a horror tackle left him with a broken fibula and dislocated ankle last December.

Gannon said: “I was glad we were able to bring Kallum back to County in the summer, albeit on a short-term contract, because he worked so hard on his rehabilitation during the first half of this year.”

Kallum left Oldham in the summer after three first team outings for Latics and having previously played for both Alfreton and FC United on loan and returned to County in August.

Last season the 20-year-old scored two goals in ten appearances for the Hatters, including a goal on his County debut in a 4-1 home win over FC United. This season he did the same again to FC United, scoring in a 5-1 win on the opening day of the campaign.

Gannon added: “Kallum is a talented player and we are pleased to have played a part in his development. He is now trialling with a Championship under-23 side and we all look forward to following his progress”.