Paul Simpson says Carlisle United could still sign as many as three more players as they prepare for the new season.

The Blues manager remains on the hunt for additions with less than three weeks to go until the big kick-off.

United’s boss has already said a deal for a Premier League loan player to join later in pre-season has been struck.

And work is ongoing to add further players, with both permanent and loan deals still on the agenda.

As well as the Premier League loanee, Simpson added: “I'd like to bring two more in, ideally.

“I want to try and go with a squad of 25, whether that's permanent or whether it's other loans.

“We're just going to have to wait and see. It's actually finding the ones who are going to be different for us.

“But we're keeping working. I've been in discussions every day with Greg [Abbott, head of recruitment] during our week at St Andrews] and we'll just keep working until we get the right people in.”

Simpson is keen to add to his attacking options.

He said the prospective top-flight signing should link up with United towards the end of the month after the end of a pre-season tour involving his parent club.

Carlisle have made seven signings so far this summer, with Aaron Hayden, Jude Smith, Terell Thomas, Cameron Harper, Ethan Robson, Charlie Wyke and Archie Davies all coming through the door.

United recently allowed Jack Armer and Alfie McCalmont to move on.

But Simpson also revealed that the Cumbrians knocked back a bid for defender Jon Mellish earlier in the summer.

Carlisle are now preparing for their fifth pre-season friendly when Simpson takes his side to his former club Rochdale this Saturday.

The Blues then take on Gateshead and Stockport County before the League One season gets under way on August 10.