Charlton have cast their eye over Carlisle United goalkeeper Mark Gillespie ahead of the new season, the News & Star understands.

The Addicks need a new No1 before the start of their new League One campaign, having lost two senior keepers this summer.

And Gillespie's name is believed to have been considered as Charlton boss Russell Slade looks at a variety of options.

Norwich's Declan Rudd and Cardiff's Simon Moore have also been among the keepers linked with the Valley outfit.

And they may prove more realistic options for Slade, as United would not want to lose their No1 - and currently their only professional keeper - so close to the start of the new campaign.

It is not believed any official approach or bid has so far been lodged for 24-year-old Gillespie, who is under contract for this season and would command a transfer fee.

But the interest from the south London club confirms that Carlisle's longest-serving player is highly thought-of at other clubs higher up the league.

United have spent pre-season assessing a host of trialists in their bid to find a second goalkeeper following the release of Dan Hanford.

Oxford's Max Crocombe is the latest to be given a chance by boss Keith Curle and keeper coach Simon Tracey, the New Zealand Under-23 international featuring in last night's friendly at Penrith.

*Two of United's owners will be on the panel at a fans' forum at Brunton Park tonight.

Andrew Jenkins and John Nixon - along with directors Nigel Clibbens, Phil King, Suzanne Kidd and CUOSC's Jim Mitchell - will face questions from supporters in the Sunset Suite from 7pm.

The event is being broadcast online by BBC Radio Cumbria and doors open at 6.30pm.