The Piatak family have confirmed that Carlisle United's debt situation is "resolved" - and the takeover should be completed "in the near future".

The American family seeking to buy the club issued their latest update on the process on Monday evening.

Their comments on social media, via their Castle Sports Group company, underlined United's own remarks on the debt last week.

The Blues' chief executive Nigel Clibbens said United's £2.6m debt to Purepay Retail Limited had been "dealt with" by the Piataks.

The Piataks have now said the same - and again earmarked the November 25 home game against Charlton Athletic - Carlisle's next league fixture - as a significant milestone.

In a post on social media platform X, Castle Sports Group said: "We can confirm the successful resolution of the legacy debt, marking a significant milestone in the acquisition process.

"All is progressing as planned, and we remain on track to complete the acquisition in the near future, with the Piataks scheduled to attend the Charlton match."

It is the third time the Florida business family have referred to the Charlton game as a key date in the process.

Tom Piatak snr had initially described the debt as a "significant hurdle" but also expressed his "confidence" that a resolution could be found.

It has not yet been clarified what the nature of the "resolution" is - whether it refers to paying off the debt or a repayment plan agreed.

United's seven-figure debt is a legacy of their loans from Philip Day's Edinburgh Woollen Mill, with the debt moved to Purepay when EWM went into administration during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The debt has long been described as a major hurdle to any change of control or investment at the top of Brunton Park.

Now, though, the way appears clear for the Piataks and United to complete the final formalities before the Blues move into new hands for the first time since 2008.

The Jacksonville family have been in discussions with the club and supporters' trust CUOSC for months, with the News & Star revealing their interest in the Blues in early August.

New shareholders' agreements are being finalised with the EFL also assessing the takeover.