Carlisle United have agreed a deal for a Premier League loan player, manager Paul Simpson has revealed.
But the new face won’t check in at Brunton Park until later in pre-season.
Simpson commented on the prospective signing – believed to be an attacking player – after the Blues’ 0-0 draw at Workington Reds in their latest friendly.
“In terms of players coming in, I'm quite calm about it at the moment with what we've got,” the United boss told the News & Star.
“We have a deal agreed for a Premier League player, a young Premier League player to come in, but that won't happen until the end of July.
“That will be a loan. He has to go on pre-season with [his parent club’s] first team, so we've just got to be patient and hope he comes back fit and ready to come and join us at the end of July or maybe the first few days in August.”
United have made seven signings so far – all permanent deals – with the priority now to increase the squad’s creative options.
“That’s where the focus is,” said Simpson.
Carlisle are looking to add further new faces after seeing two departures in recent days – the latest Alfie McCalmont’s departure to join Australian club Central Coast Mariners.
“I'm obviously disappointed that he decided he wanted to go, but it's the best thing for everybody concerned,” said Simpson.
“He wanted to leave, it's an opportunity that he didn't want to turn down, so we wish him all the best.
“Same with Jack Armer [who has joined Burton Albion] – we felt it was the right deal for the club and Jack wanted to go, so again, he moves on with our blessing.”
Cameron Harper went off midway through the first half at Workington (Image: Ben Holmes)
United’s boss, meanwhile, said Cameron Harper was substituted as a precaution in the first half at Workington.
The summer signing was replaced after 24 minutes.
“He just felt his groin,” Simpson said.
“His groin was a little bit tight, so it was more precautionary just to get him off before there was any more damage.
“It's just a tightness. I don't really know the full extent of it, but he walked off okay, so I'm hoping it's not too bad.
“We're just at that stage in the pre-season where we just don't want to take any chances with players. We've got to make sure we keep them all right.”
United, meanwhile, are in the process of arranging a further pre-season friendly.
Simpson said a game against Gateshead is likely to be added to their calendar.
The trip to the north east is expected to be arranged in the week following the July 27 trip to Rochdale, though details are yet to be confirmed.
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