Stanley have signed West Brom defender Aji Alese and Preston striker Connor in a deadline day double swoop.

John Coleman was keen to add another defensive option to his squad, with left-sided central defender Alese arriving on a loan deal until January.

And with Courtney Baker-Richardson ruled out for up to eight weeks with a groin injury, and a hamstring problem currently sidelining Offrande Zanzala, boss Coleman was keen to supplement his attacking ranks before the 5pm deadline.

Eighteen year-old Alese has been a regular for his parent club’s Under-23s side and has represented England at various youth levels.

He is currently away with England Under-19s and will join up with the Stanley squad after this weekend’s trip to Bristol Rovers.

Simpson, who began his career at Hartlepool United and was on loan at Carlisle United last season, meanwhile, has agreed a season-long deal at the Wham Stadium.

"I'm very excited, I've heard a lot about the club, I've done a lot of research and I can't wait to get started,” Alese said after signing.

"So far I've only played Under-23s football, so I know League One is going to be tough, but if I do well then it will help me in my career a lot.

"I feel as though I bring pace, I can read the game well and I feel as though I can play with the ball at my feet as well."

Alese will compete for a central defensive spot alongside current incumbents Mark Hughes and Ross Sykes, as well as Ben Barclay and Harvey Rodgers.

Coleman added: "He's a highly-rated prospect at West Ham and he's been around the England squads.

"This is the chance for him to make the transition from junior football to senior football, we feel as though he has the attributes to make that step and left-sided centre-backs are quite rare so that's another plus and hopefully he can kickstart his senior career with us.

"Players do benefit from the experience of others here and I've had very good reports about his character as well."

Nineteen-year-old Simpson has made one Championship appearance for parent club Preston and netted once in eight games with League Two side Carlisle United last season.

“We have lost two strikers at the blink of an eye which hasn't been ideal,” said Coleman.

“We need cover in that area and Connor has a lot of potential. This is a chance for him to kickstart his career again.”