Carlisle United’s supporters’ trust have confirmed talks with potential investors - who will meet fans next month.

CUOSC today said they and the club’s owners are involved in discussions with interested parties.

The trust say discussions have so far been “very encouraging”.

While CUOSC have not named the potential investors in question, the News & Star recently revealed that American businessman Tom Piatak had met club and trust officials.

The trust say a number of members’ meetings will be held in September to discuss the situation, and “the potential new investors will be present”.

Details of those meetings are yet to be confirmed.

News and Star: Florida logistics businessman Tom Piatak has been in talks with the Blues, the News & Star recently revealedFlorida logistics businessman Tom Piatak has been in talks with the Blues, the News & Star recently revealed (Image: Richard Parkes)

The news appears to represent a clear sign of progress in discussions over the future of the Brunton Park club.

But CUOSC also warned that the club’s seven-figure debt to Purepay Retail Limited remained a key factor in discussions, and that things were at a “delicate” stage in talks over a repayment plan.

CUOSC, who have 25.4 percent voting rights and a seat on the board of United’s Holdings company, issued an update to members today and in a public statement.

“We said in our weekly [News & Star] column on Thursday that we would keep fans updated,” the statement said.

“Paul Simpson spoke to the media yesterday and said “…it’s not just a rumour. There are talks going on”. He continued, “At the moment I’m not in a position to say anything else. But I think it’s really exciting. It’s a good thing for the football club”.

“CUOSC can confirm that we met with and have been fully involved in talks, alongside the other shareholders, with potential new Carlisle United investors over the last few months.

“These discussions have been very encouraging and we agree wholeheartedly with Paul Simpson that it could be very exciting for fans and very positive for the football club.

“It is clear that United’s £2.6million debt remains a significant stumbling block. The club is in a delicate process of trying to agree a repayment plan which we hope will move things forward. We do not want to risk jeopardising any further discussions by saying any more.

“In our last statement, we assured our members that when there is something further to report we will contact them. As promised, we now have further updates.

“We will be holding a number of members meetings, both in person and online, in September.

"Dates, locations and times will be released in due course. The potential new investors will be present.

“Let’s go into this weekend with great excitement and hope that this creates a buzz and that our great supporters can push the team over the line to our first three points of the season.”

We revealed earlier this month that Tom Piatak, the owner of Magellan Transport Logistics in Jacksonville, Florida, had met club and CUOSC figures and was also pictured sitting close to United officials at May's League Two play-off final.

Members of his family, including wife Patricia and son Tom, were also at that game, while family members have also attended further Blues matches including last season's play-off semi-final second leg against Bradford City at Brunton Park, and July's pre-season friendly at Annan Athletic.

Tom and Patricia also recently set up a new 'sport' company in the UK, with Castle Sports Group Limited being registered with Companies House in July.

The News & Star has contacted Tom Piatak with a further invitation to comment on the situation. The businessman has not yet responded to our initial invitation earlier this month.

***Breaking** Carlisle United have now issued their own comment on the takeover speculation - click HERE

READ OUR COVERAGE OF THE BIG INVESTMENT STORY AT CARLISLE UNITED