Carlisle United have knocked back a bid for defender Jon Mellish.

The Blues received an offer for the long-serving favourite earlier this summer.

But manager Paul Simpson says the bid was not at a level that was worth considering.

And the Carlisle boss has stressed that Mellish is a key part of his plans, is not for sale – and that United don’t need to sell anyone.

Simpson and the Blues have not named the club who came in for the 26-year-old, but the News & Star understands League One club Wigan Athletic were the interested party.

“There was interest early on in the summer,” Simpson told the News & Star.

“It’s gone away because there’s nothing happening.

“Jon Mellish isn’t going anywhere. We don’t need to sell players – we’re in a really good position.

“Jon knows that he is a massive part of what we want to do – so that [interest] has gone and it’s finished.”

Asked if it was an expression of interest or a firm bid that Carlisle received, Simpson said: “There was a bid, but it was nowhere near even considering and it was dismissed by everybody immediately.

“So, that was the end of it.”

Mellish has been with United since 2019 and has long been one of their most popular and durable players.

The versatile former Gateshead man - who has played in defence, midfield and attack during his time at Brunton Park- is the club’s longest-serving player and is under contract until the summer of 2026, having signed a new three-year deal last summer.

Mellish, who has made 219 appearances and scored 30 goals for the club, was absent from Carlisle’s 2-2 draw at St Mirren on Friday because of a family matter.

The former Sunderland academy player has featured in their previous three pre-season games at Penrith, Kendal Town and Workington Reds.

Simpson said the defender, having left the Blues’ training camp on Thursday to return home, had offered to catch the train back in time for the St Mirren game.

But United’s boss told the player to stay and put his family issue first.