Paul Simpson is turning his attention to young prospects at Premier League and Championship clubs as he looks to bolster his squad further.

Carlisle United’s manager says it is approaching the point in pre-season where such players could be more readily available.

The loan market is likely to be a key area at this stage, Simpson has said.

And potential signings from the top two tiers could come increasingly on the radar.

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“I’m now looking at players possibly who have still not got a contract,” he said.

“But also I’m at a point where I’m thinking we’re at that point in pre-season where younger players have been used early on by the first team [at] Premier League and Championship clubs who’ve had international players away.

“Those players are tending to be back now, and younger players are surplus to requirements and ready to go out.

“We’re starting to look at that type of player.

“We think we’ve exhausted the channels of out of contract players and the ones we’ve enquired about have said no so far.

“We’ve just got to wait and see what comes.”

Simpson has said defence remains a top priority in the market.

He is pleased, meanwhile, with the way his five signings to date have bedded into the squad.

“I think they’ve settled in well, I’ve been pleased, and that’s credit to the group that’s already here because they’ve made them feel welcome,” the manager said.

“That’s always a help. I think it’s always easy when they come in pre-season and you don’t have the stress of proper games to worry about.

“They’ve still got room for improvement, they’ll get fitter, stronger and more of an understanding with each other, but all five have done really well so far.”