Former Crewe captain Luke Murphy has returned to the club on a two-year deal.

The 30-year-old midfielder advanced through the Alexandra academy and helped the club win promotion to League One in 2012 and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy glory the following season.

Murphy scored 25 goals in 186 appearances for Crewe before joining Leeds for £1million, but failed to make an impact at Elland Road and has recently spent time at Bolton.

Crewe later announced that left-back Harry Pickering has signed a new three-year deal at the club, while defender Omar Beckles has joined on a 12-month contract after rejecting fresh terms at Shrewsbury.