The clock continues to tick down to the 2021/22 season, with less than a month now to go.

Carlisle United have made three summer signings so far as they prepare to begin their round of pre-season friendlies.

So how is their squad looking so far - and what could they still need?

GOALKEEPERS

An obvious area that still requires addressing, as Chris Beech has openly admitted, is in goal.

Magnus Norman is United’s only senior keeper at present, after Paul Farman’s departure.

There’s every chance the ex-Fulham man will get the chance to cement No1 status in 2021/22.

The Blues recently handed pro deals to two talented 17-year-olds in Gabriel Breeze and Scott Simons.

Breeze deputised on the bench for the first team last season, but Beech has said both teenagers are probably a year away from being ready for the regular step up.

A new face to compete with Norman, then, remains a priority.

DEFENCE

More departures than incomings in this department, technically.

Nick Anderton left for Bristol Rovers while there is no sign yet that Rhys Bennett will return to Brunton Park, some reports claiming the centre-half has made a trial appearance for Burton Albion.

Corey Whelan, the ex-Liverpool man, is a versatile addition to Carlisle’s defensive ranks.

Morgan Feeney may also feel like a new signing given the January arrival’s injury-hit early months in Cumbria.

United have understandably put plenty of faith in the promising Jack Armer as left-back, although there isn’t obvious cover for the young ex-Preston man.

From last season’s ranks, Aaron Hayden and Rod McDonald remain at centre-half and George Tanner at right-back.

Danny Devine, from the midfielders, has deputised well at right-back when needed, while Joe Riley has experience there. Brennan Dickenson could potentially slot in at left-back, new pro Keelan Leslie has played in midfield and at the back, while Jon Mellish is a former centre-half, though defence is not an area United would wish to get too stretched at present.

MIDFIELD

A combination of last season’s familiar faces and some up-and-coming talent.

Callum Guy, last season’s player of the year, can expect to be a major figure again in this Blues side, likewise Riley who had a good first season in Cumbria.

Hopefully the ball-playing Devine can also enjoy a better run of fitness and build on the potential he showed when he did get chances last term.

Attention will again be on Mellish to see if he can emulate his goalscoring of 2020/21, while Carlisle's home-grown central midfielders will also hope it proves a season of further opportunity.

Can Taylor Charters push his way into Beech’s regular starting-XI thinking? And can Josh Dixon now become the first-team player his natural ability has long suggested?

Dickenson can function in midfield or attack, while there are high hopes at United that the promising winger Lewis Bell, free from last season’s lengthy Covid experience, can flourish.

Leslie, a first-year pro, will meanwhile try to do enough to convince Beech and the Blues to upgrade his half-season deal, and enjoy a longer senior United career than last year’s first-year pros, five of whom were released this summer.

ATTACK

Two new faces have joined a pair of last season’s men to give United’s attack a different look this campaign.

Zach Clough is the most eyecatching of United’s summer signings so far, with Beech and fans hoping to unlock the ability that made him a coveted young star at Bolton.

Clough should get plenty of opportunity to be a key player for the Blues, while Tristan Abrahams, the ex-Newport and Leyton Orient frontman, will be expected to deliver his share of goals after the departure of Offrande Zanzala and Joshua Kayode.

Lewis Alessandra ought to be his usual reliable self and his experience will remain important to the Cumbrians. United will also hope for a good second season, and an increased goals and assists return, from the mercurial Gime Toure.

Sam Fishburn, last season’s youth team goal machine, is also on the professional books now and will aim to impress in training to force Beech’s hand in terms of senior opportunities.

The loss of Zanzala, Kayode, Omari Patrick, Cedwyn Scott and Ethan Walker could yet lead Carlisle to pep up their attacking department.

As well as the need for a goalkeeper, United have been waiting for potential loan possibilities in other positions.

Trialists, too, might get the chance to catch Beech’s eye, and while lots more additions seem unlikely, it would be a surprise if United did not do further business in the coming weeks.

What do you think the United squad still needs? Let us know in the comments.