Paul Simpson says Carlisle United new boy Cameron Harper could easily have set the Blues back £200,000.

The left-sided defender joined the Cumbrians on a free this summer from Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

United manager Simpson admitted the Blues have benefited from the financial problems currently facing Caley.

They made 22-year-old Harper their third summer signing earlier this month, with Caley describing the deal as “an undisclosed transfer agreement”.

Simpson is delighted with the arrival of the player on a three-year deal and without the kind of financial outlay Carlisle could otherwise have faced.

“He’s a young player who we've managed to take on a free transfer because of the situation with Inverness,” said Simpson.

“There are issues going on [there], so we've got him on a free, whereas he could have cost us a couple of hundred thousand at least in compensation.

“I think he'll be a good signing. He’s got a real good quality left foot.

“He has [good] set play delivery too, so he's a good addition to the squad.”

Harper came through the ranks at Caley Thistle but has now crossed the border with UnitedHarper came through the ranks at Caley Thistle but has now crossed the border with United (Image: PA)

Harper and his team-mates are continuing their latest day of pre-season training today, a week before United’s first friendly at Penrith.

Simpson, whilst eager to bolster his attack, wants to add one more defensive signing after bringing in Harper, Aaron Hayden and Terell Thomas.

A right-sided defender, for the full-back or wing-back position, is a priority.

Simpson, meanwhile, believes centre-backs Hayden and Thomas will add leadership qualities to the squad.

“Anybody who's supported Carlisle for a good few years will know about Aaron,” said Simpson, speaking at this week’s fixtures breakfast at Brunton Park.

“He's a big, strong defender. He's a leader. He's talked to me about wanting to be a captain-type character – the same as Terrell.

“He [Thomas] is the captain of St Lucia's national team. He's just come back from playing some World Cup qualifiers over in Barbados where he was captain for the two games.

“So he's a leader. I think we needed leaders. It was something that was really lacking in our group last season.”