INTERVIEW: We have two clubs trying to take him

Another apparent subject of summer interest has been striker Hallam Hope, who spoke via his agent just after the season had ended to indicate that he would like to play at a higher level, should the opportunity arise.

And director of football David Holdsworth confirmed this week that interest has been shown, with the nippy forward now garnering interest from at least two clubs.

“Right now we have two clubs trying to take Hallam, that’s a fact,” he said. “I’ve been on the phone constantly through the summer because we’ve had bids for him, and I’ve had a second club enter that race in the past few days.

“I’ve made it very clear, each player we have here will be evaluated if bids come through the door, and we’ll take it from there.

“We like Hallam, and I’ve said before that I’ve spoken to him on the phone and he’s mentioned that he wants to play at a higher level. He’ll only do so if it’s right for Carlisle United.

“The days of us giving in to clubs and giving players away too cheaply isn’t going to happen going forward. I’ve said that to his agent probably every day.

“I respect Hallam, but he has a contract with us and he has that in good faith. He’ll continue to play for us for the coming season if we don’t get the value for him, that’s very clear.

“Just to clarify this, there are two clubs in for him, with possibly a third, and we’ve rejected a number of bids already.”

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