JORDAN Williams has thanked Barrow AFC for helping to take his career to the next level after securing a move to League One Rochdale.

Dale swooped to sign the 24-year-old from under the noses of several Football League rivals.

It is believed they have paid a low six-figure sum up-front for the wide-man, with other add-ons in place.

The fee will eclipse the £45,000 believed to have been shelled out by Luton Town for Jason Walker in November 2010 as a record amount received by AFC for one of their players.

Williams was quick to thank the Bluebirds for helping him move up the Football ladder.

Writing on Twitter, Williams said: "A massive thank you for everyone at @BarrowAFC for my time there... enjoyed every minute of it... wish them the best for the future."

He added: "Absolutely delighted to sign with @officiallydale. Can't wait to get in and hit the ground running."

A club statement from Barrow confirmed both personal terms and an agreement between the Bluebirds and Rochdale had been finalised on Tuesday night.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A massive thankyou for everyone at <a href="https://twitter.com/BarrowAFC">@BarrowAFC</a> for my time there... enjoyed every minute of it... wish them the best for the future ⚪️🔵⚽️ <a href="https://t.co/w6wg9i5Yfk">pic.twitter.com/w6wg9i5Yfk</a></p>— Jordan Williams (@JordWill92) <a href="https://twitter.com/JordWill92/status/872409184712765440">June 7, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

AFC chief executive Austin Straker said in the statement: “The meteoric rise of Jordan Williams has taken another huge step forward. Jordan has agreed personal terms with Rochdale and will begin the next chapter of his footballing career two tiers higher.

“In addition to representing the England C team, his progress this year has been everything that the Barrow scouting network had hoped for.

“Talks between the two clubs have continued over several days and offers from others were rejected along the way. Rochdale seemed to fit what the player was looking for in terms of status and style of play, and the agreement was finalised yesterday.

“It is thought that the chance to play at a higher level proved too good to turn down. Jordan was keen to stress his gratitude for the help that he has received from the back-room staff at Barrow, in particular through the strong bond he has forged with manager Paul Cox.

“While reluctant to leave, he felt this was a good time in his career to take on the new challenge.”

Rochdale boss Keith Hill said of the deal: “He's a great acquisition by the football club. He's someone we've been pursuing since the end of the season and it's just great to get the deal done.

“He will be a great privilege to work with, he's very honest, grounded, determined and hungry. He has great ability, his assists and goal-scoring for Barrow this season have been superb, and he was our number one target to recruit in those wide areas of the pitch where we've lost Nataniel Mendez-Laing.”

Williams made a stellar impact at Holker Street after making the move up three divisions from Northwich Victoria in the final days of 2015.

He made 70 appearances – 67 of them starts – and scored 20 goals for the Bluebirds during his 18 months with the club, attracting interest last summer and in January from Football League clubs.

There were said to have been six-figure bids for his services last summer, with AFC believed to have put a price tag of around £250,000 on one of their prized assets.

Those numbers are not thought to have been matched by his move to Spotland and it is unclear if any of the funds from the sale will be put back into the squad, with Barrow owner Paul Casson saying last month that was only a possibility should players be sold.

Straker's statement added: “Jordan has proved to be a real favourite with the crowd and has openly acknowledged the support he received during matches, both home and away.

“He commented that he has made many friends among the players and will keep in touch with them personally as well as following the fortunes of the club.

“The board and everyone behind the scenes, wish Jordan all the very best for his future and would like to thank him for his efforts on our behalf.”

Barrow have brought in Jordan White and Bradley Bauress so far this close-season, but have seen Ross Hannah return to Chester and now Williams move up the ladder with Rochdale.

They are still in talks with other potential recruits, while there is thought to be more interest in their current squad from sides higher up the pyramid.

Straker said work was ongoing on building the squad, and added: “Other developments in the transfer market continue apace, and the club expect a number of further statements to come out in the next few days.

“One compliment that can be taken from our progress this season is the number of our players that have gained interest from clubs currently playing at a higher level.

“The task now for Paul Cox is to balance the comings and goings while still retaining the ambition of challenging for League Two status.”