BURY have swooped to sign Jay O’Shea from Chesterfield on a free transfer.

The Shakers fought off heavy competition to capture the midfielder on a two-year deal.

League One champions Sheffield United, where O’Shea spent the end of last season on loan, had offered him a deal but the 28-year-old instead opted for Gigg Lane.

O’Shea becomes the eighth new face to join Lee Clark's side following the arrival of Eoghan O’Connell from Celtic yesterday.

The Irishman scored 42 goals in 204 appearances for Chesterfield and has also played for Birmingham and MK Dons.

O'Shea plays predominantly as an attacking midfielder but can also drift behind the striker or out wide.