Paul Simpson says Carlisle United will keep working away in the hope of a change of fortune in the transfer market.

The Blues have until 11pm on Friday to make more signings.

Simpson says he would like to bring in one more player – with the focus still on attack.

He said he would prefer not to take it to the wire in the window but says the Blues have to be prepared for that.

“That’s what the deadline’s for, to do that, so we’ll wait and see what happens,” said Simpson, after the Blues’ 1-0 defeat at Port Vale further exposed their goalscoring troubles.

“I don’t like doing things last minute, and we have done a lot of groundwork on quite a number of players.

“But I can’t honestly stand here and say yes there’s one about to drop. We’re just going to have to keep banging away.”

Simpson brought in young Fulham attacker Terry Ablade on a season-long loan last week.

News and Star: Terry Ablade, centre, joined United last week and made his debut as a sub on SaturdayTerry Ablade, centre, joined United last week and made his debut as a sub on Saturday (Image: Richard Parkes)

But the United boss remains eager to bring in a target man to reinforce the team’s efforts up front.

The Blues boss said he planned to catch up with head of recruitment Greg Abbott on the situation after the Vale setback.

“I want to try and get somebody in, but I want the window closed so we can just focus on what we’ve got,” added Simpson.

“We are struggling to find our feet in terms of getting goals, everybody can see that. The goals for column tells you that, and we all know it.

“Supporters don’t need to keep saying it. We know it. We are desperately trying to do something.

“Years ago, a left-sided centre-back was the hardest position to fill. Now, at the moment, a No9, a proper striker, is the most difficult position to fill.

“Unfortunately we’re not having any luck or haven’t had any luck so far.

“I’m sick to death of talking about it – I’ll be glad when it’s closed. We are working to try and get a player in, one player.

“If anything happens on ours [in terms of approaches for Blues players], which nothing has so far, that might make it look different.”