Goalkeeper Gabe Breeze has turned down a new contract offer from Carlisle United.

But Paul Simpson remains hopeful that an agreement can still be reached with the young Cumbrian.

United’s manager says the club and the keeper’s agent are “a long way apart” in what they are seeking currently.

Simpson hopes some middle ground can be found soon to secure the promising academy product’s future.

United offered Breeze improved terms after his four-game run in the first-team over the winter.

“He’s turned the offer down that's been made,” said Simpson.

“I've had another conversation with him today. I would like to get something signed with him.

“We're quite a long way apart on what his agency has asked for and what we've offered – a long way.

“So we've got to try and see whether we can get to some sort of common ground and hopefully we'll do that soon.

“Because I would like Gabe to stay at the club.”

Breeze is now established as United’s second choice keeper after being promoted ahead of former No1 Tomas Holy for the Boxing Day game at Fleetwood Town.

The player from Penrith impressed with some composed showings.

United then moved for Bradford City’s Harry Lewis who is now first-choice keeper at Brunton Park.

But Breeze remains up the pecking order, with Holy now third choice and the big Czech playing in Tuesday’s Fred Conway Cumberland Cup quarter-final at Penrith.

The fourth senior keeper on United’s books, Jokull Andresson, may not be fit to play again this season, Simpson added.

The Reading loanee recently suffered a second shoulder bone fracture and is unlikely to return any time soon.

“It looks like he may not play again this season,” Simpson said.

“He’s going to be reassessed by Reading on Monday, but he’s out certainly long-term.”

Andresson’s absence has meant Simpson is more open-minded about bringing another loan player into the club.

United currently have six on the books and can only name five in a matchday squad.

Should he secure the signing of another – one of today’s two striker targets is a loan player – it would leave Simpson with decisions to make when naming his weekly 18-man squad.

United’s other five loanees at present are Fin Back, Jack Diamond, Terry Ablade, Seán Grehan and Joshua Kayode – the latter also still on the sidelines.

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