Mike Williamson looks set to become Carlisle United's new head coach.

The Blues are understood to be on track to secure the services of the MK Dons boss this week.

The News & Star understands Williamson will leave Stadium MK to join the Cumbrians as Paul Simpson's successor.

The move is now believed to be close to being confirmed.

That is despite post-match comments from Williamson following MK's latest game on Tuesday night.

Speaking to reporters after a 2-1 defeat to Colchester United in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, Williamson said: “Since I came in, there has been speculation. I've been linked with two, three or four jobs.

"I've not heard anything on it, so I'm just focused on the boys, and from a really good performance, I want to watch the game back. I want to make sure we're better for Saturday.”

The likelihood is that Williamson will be unveiled by the Blues before this weekend's League Two trip to Swindon Town.

Owner Tom Piatak earlier this week said United had identified the head coach and sporting director candidates they expected to lead the Blues into a new era.

He also said he expected announcements "very soon", expressing his expectation that the new figures would be in place before the weekend.

The 40-year-old Williamson has been in charge of MK Dons since last October, having joined the club from Gateshead.

He led MK from 16th to the League Two play-offs last season before losing to Crawley Town in the semi-finals.

This season MK sit 20th after two wins and four defeats. The former Newcastle United defender had previously overseen a period of success at Gateshead, guiding them to the National League North title in 2022 before a 14th-placed finish in 2022/23's National League.

The north east club were sixth when Williamson and coaches Ian Watson and Chris Bell left the International Stadium for Stadium MK.

United had also been interested in MK Dons' sporting director Liam Sweeting.

But the chances of him joining Williamson at Brunton Park appear to be receding, with Football Insider reporting that Sweeting has now agreed a new deal at Stadium MK.

The News & Star understands that situation does not affect United's plans to appoint Williamson, who is also expected to bring some of his backroom staff to Carlisle.

The Blues have not commented on the situation since Piatak's updates through the club's official channels on Monday.