Eastleigh have signed free agent and former Salisbury City defender Jamie Turley.

The 24-year-old centre half, who was named England C Player of the Year in 2013, had been heavily linked and, earlier week this, was supposedly close to joining up with his former boss at the Ray Mac Darrell Clarke at Vanarama Conference rivals Bristol Rovers.

But the imposing defender, who decided against staying with Forest Green Rovers in April, has been lured to the Silverlake Stadium and links up with former New Lawn team-mates Stuart Fleetwood, Yemi Odubade, Ben Wright, Chris Todd and Jamie Collins.

Much speculation has surrounded Turley over the past few months – apparently attracting interest from Football League outfits Swindon Town and Yeovil Town – but struggled to find a club after suffering a broken arm earlier this summer and failed a medical at The Gas in August.

He’s since been declared fully fit to play.

Despite his young age he has vast experience of Conference level and was part of the Whites team that were demoted due to financial collapse in 2009/10.

Turley, widely rated as one of the best defenders outside the Football League, then joined Forest Green and earned call ups in to the England C team after a string of excellent performances.

He then captained the Three Lions C squad during the International Challenge Trophy competition.

"We welcome Jamie and wish him a successful time at the club," said an Eastleigh statement.

Meanwhile, the Spitfires have allowed full back Matt Fry, who arrived as cover for Michael Green just one month ago, to leave Stoneham Lane.