Carlisle United will turn their attention back to the transfer market this week as they bid to make one more signing before the deadline.

The Blues have until 11pm on Friday to make more additions to their squad.

Manager Paul Simpson, whose side suffered a miserable 3-0 defeat to MK Dons on Saturday, wants to add another attacking midfielder to his squad.

United’s boss has previously hinted at a potential permanent addition with a couple of contenders in his sights.

Other than with free agents, it represents the last opportunity to bolster the squad for the first half of the campaign.

Simpson said efforts would continue this week – even though, in the immediate wake of Saturday’s defeat, he was reluctant to talk in detail about transfers.

“I think when we've performed like we have today, I don't think it's worth talking about things like that, if I'm going to be honest with you,” he said to the News & Star at Stadium MK.

“We'll see what the week brings.”

Simpson has also raised the possibility of a player leaving United before the deadline, should the right move materialise for someone who has been short of first-team action early in the campaign.

It remains to be seen, meanwhile, whether Simpson’s plans for the last days of the window will be affected by the latest injury concern facing Georgie Kelly.

United's tenth summer signing, Dominic Sadi, made his debut as a sub in the MK Dons defeatUnited's tenth summer signing, Dominic Sadi, made his debut as a sub in the MK Dons defeat (Image: Richard Parkes)

The striker limped off with a calf injury after coming on as a substitute at Stadium MK, with Simpson saying Kelly was struggling to walk after the game.

Any prolonged absence would deprive United of a centre-forward option for the next stage of the season.

Carlisle’s efforts are back under scrutiny after Saturday’s poor display, albeit which saw their most recent signing, Dominic Sadi, make some bright contributions after coming off the bench at half-time.

The AFC Bournemouth man was Carlisle’s tenth arrival so far and their second loanee along with Daniel Adu-Adjei, with there being room for more loanees in the squad should Simpson go back down that recruitment avenue.