CONOR McAleny has joined Latics' League Two rivals Salford City on a free transfer after turning down a deal to stay at Boundary Park.

Last season's 21-goal top scorer was offered new terms after an impressive first year with Oldham.

But the 28-year-old did not report back for pre-season training with the rest of the squad last week and was last night confirmed as Gary Bowyer's latest recruit, penning a two-year deal at The Peninsula Stadium, after his existing Latics contract expired.

There was plenty of competition for McAleny's signature on the back of his best season, with his 21 goals scored in 46 games, across all competitions.

And the former Fleetwood forward wants his scoring streak to continue as he targets promotion with his new club.

“I’ve come here to add goals. I think there’s goals in the team already and if we can all chip in and lean towards that one aim and get promotion we’ll be all pleased," he said.

“I’m going to give everything for the team first and foremost, chip in with a few goals and create goals, just work hard and do the best for the team.

"The squad’s brilliant and I think we’ve got the best chance of getting promoted.

"That’s got to be everyone’s aim and anything else is not acceptable so I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’m delighted, really pleased and I can’t wait to get going now."

Salford boss Bowyer admitted he has tracked McAleny for a while, as far back as his Everton Academy days.

“Conor’s somebody that I’ve seen since he was like 16 years of age at Everton coming through the youth ranks, and he’s got a wonderful talent," he said.

"He’s a fantastic finisher and he can produce something out of nothing, and he’s an exciting player that I’m sure our fans will really enjoy watching.

“He’s a very good professional and another good lad that will fit well within our group, and he had a fantastic season at Oldham last year scoring those goals.”

After progressing through Everton's youth ranks, McAleny had loan spells at Scunthorpe United, Brentford, Cardiff City, Charlton Athletic, Wigan Athletic and Oxford United before signing for Fleetwood Town in 2017.

He made 55 appearances for The Cod Army, scoring seven goals, and had loan spells at Kilmarnock and Shrewsbury Town before signing for Oldham in August last year, under Harry Kewell.

McAleny joins former Latics loanee Matty Lund at Salford, after the midfielder was today added to their list of summer recruits.