Gavin Skelton hopes things will soon fall into place with Carlisle United’s striker search.

The Blues assistant manager admits that adding reinforcements in attack is the top priority with the new season just ten days away.

And while Carlisle have suffered frustrations in the market this summer, coach Skelton says work is ongoing to add the players they need.

Carlisle have made seven signings so far but are still short of firepower.

Asked for the latest position on transfers, Skelton said: “It’s ongoing. I keep repeating it.

“Today you think you’re close to something, very close, and it doesn’t quite happen, then something else comes back on.

“We’re hoping we’re going to have a really good day and everything’s going to fall in place and we’ll have some good news for you.”

Carlisle’s summer recruitment so far has seen the arrivals of Jack Robinson, Ben Barclay, Alfie McCalmont, Sam Lavelle, Dylan McGeouch, Fin Back and Dan Butterworth.

Only Butterworth of that group is an outright attacking player but Carlisle still have just two senior centre-forwards on their books in Joe Garner and Ryan Edmondson.

While United are still to make a decision on the goalkeeping front, with trialist Dan Langley hoping to earn a deal as back-up to Tomas Holy, Skelton admitted the striker situation is where the focus lay.

“I think so. There’s no denying it,” he said.

“You want to have plenty in that area.

“We’ve got bodies in that area, which is good, but to aid them and help them and give us more options, that is an area we’re looking at.”

Manager Paul Simpson has been tracking permanent and loan signings and is hoping for a breakthrough soon.

The Cumbrians are now preparing for their final pre-season friendly against Dundee United at Brunton Park on Saturday.