FORMER Wanderers loanee Ethan Hamilton has signed for Peterborough United on a two-year deal.

The 21-year-old midfielder ended last season on loan at the University of Bolton Stadium from Manchester United. 

Hamilton made 12 appearances for Wanderers, scoring in a 2-2 draw at Burton Albion in what proved to be the final game of last season in March.

He had spent the first half of the season on loan at Southend, where he scored once in 18 league and cup appearances.

He becomes Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson's second summer signing as the League One club looks to resurrect the promotion push they missed out on last season because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I have followed his progress over the last 12 months. He has had a number of loan spells in this league and he is someone I have liked for a while if I am honest," he said.

“He is a good size, a lovely footballer, left-footed and I think he will fit in really well. We enquired about getting him on loan previously, but something happened at Manchester United and it didn’t materialise, so it is great to get it done now. He is on a free now and I think he will be a good signing for us."

Equally, Hamilton is relishing the next step in his career.

“I am really looking forward to it, when I spoke with the manager, he just reaffirmed what I was thinking, that this is the right place for my development," he said.

"Peterborough play great football - I knew that anyway and playing against them last season demonstrated that even more.

“I have had a few loan spells within the league, but it is nice to have a permanent home and I can kick on and play some football. It is good to get things done now, I can train and hopefully get some minutes under my belt. I have been training on my own for the last few weeks."