Mikey Malcolm has returned to Crawley.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who has scored seven goals in 66 appearances since joining the club in November 2008, failed to agree terms with boss Steve Evans at the end of last season but has now agreed a new one-year contract.

Evans said: “Mikey is a gifted player and a good addition to the squad. He has proved that he wanted to be a part of what we are trying to do this season.

“Michael, pictured, has blinding pace and it was important after losing Charlie Ademeno to Grimsby on Thursday that we kept that raw pace in the squad. I am sure over the season he will play a part in what we are trying to achieve.”

Evans has so far made seven new signings including record buy Matt Tubbs but his spending spree is not over.

He plans talks with two more players this weekend and could revive his interest in Rushden & Diamonds midfielder Lee Tomlin. Diamonds rejected Reds’ six-figure bid earlier this week but Evans may be tempted to go back in with an improved offer for the 21-year-old, who attracted interest from several Championship clubs last season after helping Diamonds reach the play-offs.

Diamonds boss Justin Edinburgh said: “It was a huge amount of money for a club like this but we have turned it down and I can’t speak highly enough of the chairman for that.

“It is a big statement on our behalf that we are not