United’s director of football David Holdsworth confirmed today that recent reports that Carlisle forward Hallam Hope, who scored 15 goals in 43 appearances for the Blues last season, had been the subject of interest of potential suitors were accurate, with his agent having notified the club that the player was keen to ply his trade at the highest level possible.
“Hallam Hope wants to play at the highest level and his agent has expressed that to me,” he explained. “Whilst Hallam hasn’t asked for a transfer, and he knows completely that he’s part of our club, we’re just concentrating on him returning to us in pre-season.
“I like him as a player and a person, but every player does have a value and I’ll do everything in my power to look after this football club. That’s why we need to receive a bid which fits before we would even consider allowing him to discuss that option.
“As I say, until that happens Hallam is our player. I know he’s fine with that because we like him and he likes us. It certainly won’t affect him playing and working here next season because this is a club he enjoys being part of.”