Gavin Skelton says there is “no rush or panic” when it comes to replacing Aaron Hayden at Carlisle United.

The defender’s move to Wrexham was rubbed-stamped on Sunday.

It leaves a gap in United’s centre-half ranks at the start of the 2021/22 season.

Assistant boss Skelton said the Blues, who face Sheffield United tonight in the Carabao Cup first round, are continuing to assess options in a “competitive market”.

He said: “We’re always looking because you want to be strong in every area.

“We have a good squad and we cope. If you look at Corey Whelan, he was excellent in that position [alongside Rod McDonald] and we had Morgan Feeney on the bench.

“We’re already covered in that area so we move on and focus on ourselves.

“There’s no rush or panic because we’ve got the lads we’ve just talked about who can step in, along with others.

“But you do look around and you strengthen whenever possible, if the right player becomes available.

“We want it to be the right one and someone who fits the model and the group.

“The mentality of the group is good and we want to keep it that way. It’s a hard market because everybody is looking for a solid centre-half and a striker who will score every week – it’s a competitive market but we are working hard.”

It would be a surprise if United do not look to bolster their defensive ranks, with attack another potential area for strengthening before the end of the transfer window this month.

Hayden departed for an “undisclosed” deal which sources in Wales have told the News & Star is likely to be in the £200,000-250,000 region.

Skelton said the defender, who has been handed a three-year deal in the National League, had made a move for the good of his family and that the remaining squad had adapted well after news of his impending departure broke on Saturday.

“He’s a good character and he had a lot of respect in the dressing room - he was a big voice,” Skelton said.

“The lads obviously had the game to focus on so we haven’t dwelled on it, and that’s how football goes.

“It moves on quickly. It’s a talking point for a little bit but people quickly move on. The players’ focus was brilliant; we addressed it on Friday but it wasn’t really mentioned, they just got on with it.

“We’re obviously disappointed that he’s left but these things happen and we wish him all the best.”