Carlisle United chief executive Nigel Clibbens has clarified how the Blues could benefit from the progress of a former academy player at Manchester City.

Goalkeeper James Trafford joined City from Carlisle aged 12 – and has since made an impressive rise into the professional ranks.

After a number of games on the first-team bench last season, the England youth keeper, from Greysouthen near Cockermouth, is now on loan at Accrington Stanley to gain first-team experience.

United were asked at a fans’ forum whether the 18-year-old's progress could help the Blues financially in a similar way to the income they receive from the deal for another former Carlisle academy keeper - Dean Henderson at Manchester United.

Clibbens said there are specific ways Carlisle could benefit, but pointed out that the two deals are not structured in the same way.

He said: “They are different.

“Dean Henderson moved in an agreement with Manchester United – a transfer agreement – whereas James Trafford moved under EPPP rules, where compensation on that deal is set out in the EFL rulebook.

“It’s based on appearances in each division, and a sell-on.

“That’s non-negotiable and that’s how it is.

“They’re slightly different. In essence, we get some add-ons if he’s successful, and a transfer sell-on as well.”

Trafford was involved with the City first-team last season, training alongside senior keepers Ederson, Zack Steffen and fellow Cumbrian Scott Carson, and was a substitute in the Premier League, Carabao Cup semi-finals and Champions League.

Pep Guardiola said the highly-rated teenager was “growing really, really well” with the Premier League champions.

Trafford is hoping to make his Football League debut this weekend when Accrington start their League One season away to Wycombe Wanderers.

The Henderson deal, struck in 2011 when the Whitehaven star was 14, has been the subject of reports claiming Carlisle benefit by £10,000 each time he plays for Manchester United.

The Blues have not commented on the specifics. Clibbens recently said the deal was likely to “continue to bring valuable income” but was “unlikely ever to be transformational” to Carlisle.

Henderson is currently recovering from Covid-19 and has not joined Manchester United on their pre-season training camp in Scotland.