Carlisle United boss on Bradford City striker Jake Young

The Blues boss says the Bantams are quoting a “ridiculous” fee for the striker’s services.

Carlisle have in recent days been linked with a transfer window move for the 22-year-old, who has impressed with 16 goals during a loan spell with Swindon Town this season.

But Simpson told the News & Star the asking price is beyond United’s reach – even with their improved budget thanks to the club’s new owners, the Piatak family.

“He’s a player who we all like but we can't afford him,” said Simpson.

“Bradford are talking a ridiculous figure so that won't be happening.”

Asked if a potential move was dead or whether there remained any hope, United’s manager added: “From what I’m hearing the figure they’re quoting is way out of our league, and certainly not a figure that I would expect anybody to be paying for him.”

Bradford last weekend said they had turned down an offer for Young, without naming the club involved.

Simpson himself said the Blues had seen a bid for an unnamed player rejected last Friday.

Carlisle have been mentioned in reports about Young with Exeter City and Port Vale among the other clubs said to have been interested in the ex-Forest Green Rovers man.

Young scored 16 in 26 appearances for Swindon but is now back at his parent club. Should he play for Bradford this month he would not be able to play for another club this season. Bantams boss Graham Alexander said an injury ruled Young out of contention for last weekend's 1-1 draw at Colchester United.

Paul Simpson (Image: Richard Parkes)

It remains to be seen whether United will make a further attempt to do a deal for the frontman, at a stage in the January window which Simpson admits is frustrating for the Blues.

Carlisle have made four signings so far this month and the manager wants more reinforcements.

Simpson said nothing is currently imminent. “It’s been really frustrating," he said, speaking after Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Barnsley.

“And it's a different scenario to what we had in the summer where we had a really low budget and couldn't afford players.

“Now we've got a bit better a better budget with some money available, but we just can't get them for one reason or another.

“But we're going to keep going. We're going to keep looking to try and get the right players in.

“I've been pleased with the players we’ve brought in, in Luke Armstrong, in Harrison Neal, in Harry Lewis.

“Even Sean Grehan is training really well and that's why I wanted to introduce him into the group [for the Barnsley game].

“But we certainly need some more.”