BALA Town have stepped up their push for European qualification by signing highly-rated midfielder Nathan Burke from Warrington Town.

The talented 20 year-old spent nine years at the Liverpool FC Academy, from Under 10s to Under 18s, where he was captain at most junior levels.

Burke joined Warrington after his release from Liverpool in 2014, and is a tireless, hard working central midfielder, who is also known for his good work ethic.

The versatile midfielder is capable of playing at right-back as well as in his favoured position at central midfield, and has been a proven goal-scorer.

“I think we’ve signed one of the best young midfielders in non league football that I have seen for a long time," said Bala Director of Football Colin Caton.

"He has drive and desire to get back into the full time game again, and we will help him as much as we can.

"He has watched us train and play and he feels that signing for Bala will get him back in to full time football.

"Nathan and has been really impressed with Bala’s professional set up. This will help him develop, and hopefully get him back playing full time football."Burke, who was linked with a move to Southport in the summer, was part of the club’s historic FA Cup journey last season.

Meanwhile the Lakesiders have also confirmed that Will Bell has rejoined the club following his loan spell at Colwyn Bay.The Liverpool-born central defender was captain the Under-17, Under-18 and reserve sides at Morecambe, and was awarded a new one-year deal in August 2014, before being loaned to Bala Town for the season - a move which was made permanent a year later.

Experienced defender David Artell has left Bala midway through his second season at Maes Tegid.

The club has mutually agreed to terminate the contract of the 35-year-old Gibraltar international, who made more than 380 Football League appearances.He played 39 times in the Welsh Premier League for Bala, scoring twice.