Tranmere Rovers manager Nigel Adkins has said Carlisle United blew his club out of the water with the wages they offered a summer transfer target.

Adkins, whose side faces the Blues at Brunton Park on Saturday, said they were rivalling United for a particular player.

But they could not get close to the level of salary United were offering, he said.

While Adkins said he was pleased with the players Tranmere have brought in, he said: “I know one player in particular we wanted to try and sign, [but we] couldn’t get anywhere near the wages Carlisle are giving.

“That’s something people maybe don’t understand or take into consideration.”

Adkins did not name the particular player, although the Wirral club were linked with Cameron Harper before the wing-back joined the Cumbrians.

The Tranmere boss, whose side are unbeaten after two draws and a win in League Two so far, says he is anticipating a tough, physical encounter against Paul Simpson’s Cumbrians.

“A tough, tough game,” said Adkins when asked in a pre-match club interview for his forecast for Saturday’s clash in Cumbria.

“Paul Simpson is an excellent manager, [a former] England [Under-20s] manager, knows what he’s on about, knows what he’s doing.

“He’s got promoted from this division before.

“It’s going to be a real tough game – [Carlisle] are a big side, the keeper kicks it the length of the pitch, [they have a] big centre-forward in [Charlie] Wyke, a quicky off him, two wing-backs, three big centre-halves, long throws, direct play. Of course they can play.

Omari Patrick has scored twice this season since joining Tranmere after a trialOmari Patrick has scored twice this season since joining Tranmere after a trial (Image: PA)

“We’ve had similar games against Port Vale and Walsall where we’ve had to stand up and be counted.

“We’ll certainly be tested. We’ll have a good following, they’ll have a big following at home, it’s a big pitch…the things we’ve done before, we’ll have to do again.

“It’s going to be competitive, and a good afternoon’s football for the neutral.”

Midfielder Kieron Morris could be involved for Tranmere after returning to the bench for their 4-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Leicester City on Tuesday.

The familiar faces of Omari Patrick and Kristian Dennis will also be in the visiting squad, the pair returning to Brunton Park for the first time since leaving the Blues after 2023’s promotion.

Adkins, meanwhile, has not ruled out some late transfer business on deadline day. The Wirral club have been linked with Swindon Town's Saidou Khan.