The 19-year-old has committed to the club ahead of the 2019/20 Northern Premier League Division One North West season, and becomes Steve Akrigg and Kev Towey's sixth signing of the summer.

Steele arrives after spending the 18/19 season at Newcastle Town, making 43 appearances and scoring twice.

The midfielder joined the Staffordshire-based club last summer after his release by Port Vale, where he began his career.

Equally at home as a full-back, James made a big impression last term and appeared twice against Widnes for Newcastle in the NPL Division One West.

Co-boss Towey said: "James arrives with a really good pedigree.

"He's only 19, and will only get better with age.

"He only became available once Newcastle moved division so we are fortunate that he chose to join us as I know he had interest from clubs at a higher level."