A look at some of the latest news and gossip from around Carlisle United’s division.

FORMER BOSS LEADS SHREWS BETTING

Paul Hurst is the early odds-on favourite with bookmakers to be the next Shrewsbury Town manager.

The division’s 19th-placed club sacked Matt Taylor on Sunday, and Grimsby Town’s former boss Hurst – manager at the Croud Meadow from 2016 to 2018 – is 1/4 with BetVictor for a second spell with the Shrews.

Michael Duff, Mat Sadler, ex-Carlisle boss Nigel Pearson and Gareth Ainsworth are among the other frontrunners. Ex-Carlisle quartet Keith Curle, John Sheridan, Clint Hill and Nathan Rooney are all 33/1.

ADDICKS MIDFIELDER HEADS NORTH

Scott Fraser looks set to leave Charlton Athletic and head to the Scottish Premiership.

The 28-year-old is being strongly linked with a move to Heart of Midlothian.

The Edinburgh Evening News report that Fraser should join on a loan deal this week.

MAN UTD PROSPECT SET FOR MOVE

Manchester United midfield prospect Dan Gore is on course for a loan switch to Port Vale.

The 19-year-old has been reportedly tracked by a number of League One clubs.

Mail Online report that 18th-placed Vale have won the race to take the England Under-20 international until the end of the season.

LEADERS CLOSE IN ON BEES MAN

Portsmouth are set to bring in Brentford midfielder Myles Peart-Harris.

BBC reporter Andrew Moon says the League One leaders are on course to bring in the 21-year-old.

QPR have also been tracking the former Forest Green Rovers loanee.

READING ‘SUITOR’ DASHES RUMOURS

Crisis club Reading have been linked with a takeover involving Gymshark owner Ben Francis.

But the businessman moved to deny the speculation on social media.

Reports had claimed a deal was close but Francis, posting on X, said: “I’m a Villa fan through and through and wouldn’t have involvement with any other club.”

TYKES STAR IN DEMAND

Barnsley could face a fight to hold onto creative midfielder Callum Styles, according to reports.

The left-footed schemer is in the sights of at least two Championship clubs.

Hull City and Birmingham City are closely monitoring developments, reports Alan Nixon – though HullLive reckon the Tigers aren’t set to move for Styles.

LATICS MOVE FALLS THROUGH

Wigan Athletic’s interest in Brighton & Hove Albion defender Odel Offiah won’t lead to a deal this month, admits Latics boss Shaun Maloney.

The Wigan manager says he is an admirer of the former Hearts loanee.

But Maloney told Wigan Today: “Unfortunately that’s not going to happen. I really liked him, he’s a really good player, a really good guy, Brighton were really good to deal with. Whatever happens in the next few months…it just wasn’t going to work in this window.”

RAMS SET TO SWOOP

Derby County are poised to bring in Charlton Athletic dangerman Corey Blackett-Taylor.

The former Tranmere Rovers man has scored nine goals in 28 appearances this season.

And DerbyshireLive say terms are being discussed after a bid was accepted by the Addicks.

OS BOSS WELLENS SEES RED

Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens was sent off during his side’s 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers.

The home manager was dismissed after appearing to prevent a Trotters player taking a quick throw-in.

The incident did not, though, deter the Os from claiming a fourth win in five as they moved up to ninth in League One.

COBBLERS BOSS ‘DESERVES’ NEW DEAL

Northampton Town boss Jon Brady has been praised by his club after being awarded a new contract.

The manager, who led the Cobblers to promotion last season, currently has them tenth in League One.

After awarding the boss an improved rolling contract, Northampton chairman Kelvin Thomas said: “This is a reward for Jon and the results he has achieved.”

EX-BLUE’S TROTTERS HOPE

Jack Iredale will return to Brunton Park with Bolton Wanderers next weekend – but first the Trotters take on another struggler in Cheltenham Town.

Ex-Carlisle United man Iredale was in the Bolton side that lost 1-0 at Leyton Orient on Saturday.

Speaking to the Bolton News, Iredale said: “If we play like that again we will get what we deserve. Cheltenham at home [on Tuesday night] we are going to get back to what we do best.”

EVANS’ PLEDGE ON STARS

Stevenage boss Steve Evans has suggested that key players won’t be allowed to leave even as he expects some departures.

There had been speculation over star striker Jamie Reid’s future, particularly with Boro bringing in Vadaine Oliver on loan.

But, speaking to The Comet, Evans said: “To the doom and gloomers, there's no player that's played a major part this season leaving.”

ROBINS ASSESS DUO

Cheltenham Town are running the rule over two potential signings, with Dundalk midfielder Greg Sloggett and ex-Manchester United midfielder Josh Harrop eyeing deals.

The duo have been on trial with Darrell Clarke’s squad, reports GloucestershireLive.

And ex-Preston North End and Northampton Town man Harrop, 28, looks set to join the Robins ahead of Tuesday night's trip to Bolton Wanderers.