The free agent strikers that Carlisle United could sign as Paul Simpson eyes further transfer breakthroughs

For while every team wants a reliable, proven striker, the reality is that they are in short supply.

That's something Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson has already alluded to as he seeks an attacking 'focal point' for his side during the transfer window.

"Strikers who can score goals are the hardest to find. But we have to do it -  we’ve got to find somebody,” the manager said last month.

“We’ve got to find a focal point for our attack. We’ve not been bad in two thirds of the pitch but it’s the final third where we haven’t done enough.

“Sadly I think the scoring record of 39 goals this season tells a story.”

So with a striker high on the agenda, are there any free agents who could fit the bill?

Here's a look at some of the players currently available having been released from clubs across the four divisions:

Premier League

Naturally, the realistic options for Carlisle that have been released by Premier League clubs are limited (although there's no debating Divock Origi could do a job in Cumbria...)

But one option that could appeal is former Burnley striker Joel Mumbongo.

The former Swedish youth international made four Premier League appearances at Turf Moor in the 2020/21 season and spent last term on loan at Accrington Stanley.

READ MORE: Ex-Carlisle duo released by Premier League pair

He netted twice in 15 games for the League One side and is undoubtedly still raw, but there is undoubtedly some potential there.

Championship

Again, there are a number of interesting names released by Championship clubs - but whom may not be viewed as realistic options for the Blues.

Fraizer Campbell, Steven Fletcher and Will Grigg will no doubt all have admirers in the second tier having been consistent goalscorers in their careers.

Marc McNulty and Tom Eaves, who were released by Reading and Hull City respectively, have previously been prolific in League Two - but could well have their sights set higher in the pyramid.

READ MORE: Simmo's reassuring message over Carlisle transfers

But one intriguing free agent could be Mikel Miller, who has left recently-promoted Rotherham United.

He has hardly been prolific - scoring just four times across his two years in South Yorkshire - but his pace and power could be useful attributes.

League One

League One clubs have released no shortage of strikers this summer - and many could be on Carlisle's radar

James Norwood and John Marquis are two of the more eye-catching free agents and have a strong track record in the fourth tier.

Marquis has scored against Carlisle in the past (Photo: Barbara Abbott)

However, reports suggest that both have interest from League One.

Andy Williams, who has left Cheltenham Town, is another with good pedigree in League Two. But at 35, he may not fit in with Simpson's plan of building a squad for the long-term.

Ex-Bolton forward Nathan Delfouneso is a name that many League Two clubs will no doubt be considering. The former Blackpool man, now 31, had an unsuccessful loan spell at Bradford last season but was a key player when the Trotters won promotion in 2021.

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While a return to Valley Parade looks unlikely for Delfouneso, only player that has been linked with the Bantams is George Miller.

Released by Barnsley, the forward netted 12 times during a loan spell at Walsall last season and will be in high demand this summer.

League Two

Carlisle could pick from a number of experienced options that have been allowed to leave League Two clubs.

Vadaine Oliver and Padraig Amond are two of the names that stand out having been impressive in the fourth tier previously - with Oliver a name linked with the Blues when they were managed by Keith Curle.

Padraig Amond scored against the Blues for Exeter last year (Photo: Barbara Abbott)

There is also Fejiri Okenabirhie, released by Doncaster Rovers but with a promising goalscoring record during spells in League One and the National League.

He's yet to have a proper crack at League Two, so could be a name that fourth tier sides consider.