Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson has admitted to some “frustration” at the Blues’ ongoing transfer efforts.

Simpson remains keen to bring in more new faces and admits it is “obvious” Carlisle’s squad still needs strengthening.

But he said he is having to show patience with the Cumbrians’ most recent targets.

Speaking to the News & Star after the 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Stoke City, Simpson said: “I'm not expecting anything in the next 24 hours but that can change.

“It's quite frustrating at the moment because it's obvious we need some reinforcements but there's nothing imminent as I sit here tonight.

“There’s been two or three that we're looking at, and there's different issues that are stopping it from happening.

“[Those issues are] nothing to do with our football club but we're just going to have to wait and see what comes.”

Simpson remains eager to sign another midfielder after injuries to a number of players in that area.

But the prospect of an addition before Saturday’s League Two clash with Barrow appears to be in the balance.

Simpson has made nine signings so far this summer, having last weekend brought in Ben Williams.

On the players he wants to recruit next, he added: “I just want players who are going to improve us, and some different options to what we've got.

“[Against Stoke] we were allowed nine subs on the bench and we weren't able to fill nine.

“I didn't want to just bring a young YTS player in just for the sake of it. I didn't want to put two goalkeepers on it because I felt it was important for Jude Smith to do some work this afternoon.

“So we went with eight, but we've got two third year scholars in there who've not played any first team football – so we need some reinforcements to come and strengthen the group.”