Greg Abbott will today attempt to tie up a loan deal for Coventry midfielder Chris Birchall on a busy deadline day at Brunton Park.
The caretaker boss is also hoping to bring in an additional new face in a bid to pep up his Blues squad.
And there is certain to be movement in the other direction, with Luke Joyce set to seal a month-long loan move to Barrow and other fringe players earmarked for the exit door.
United’s interest in Birchall, which dates back to August during John Ward’s reign, resur faced last night when reports in the midlands claimed the 24-year-old was bound for Brunton Park.
And Abbott said today: “No deal has been agreed but Chris is someone we like and he is one of several we are chasing.
“We are trying to tie one or two up if we can. There are a number of things going on.”
If ex-Port Vale man Birchall arrives today he will become the eighth loan player to feature for the Cumbrians this season and the sixth in the current ranks.
The right-sided midfielder, who played for T&T in the 2006 World Cup, has long been out of favour at the Ricoh Arena under manager Chris Coleman and is likely to be available for a permanent move in the January transfer window.
Birchall was recently said to be a target for former club Vale, who he left in a £325,000 deal to Coventry two years ago. Should he instead opt for League One football with Carlisle, he would join an already well-stocked Blues midfield.
However, Abbott has addressed that by shipping out-of-favour Joyce to Blue Square Premier outfit Barrow.
“There have been enquiries for two or three of our boys,” added the caretaker boss.
“Midfield is an area where we would let one or two go to get some games. It’s not healthy to have too many playing reserve team football.”
Joyce, 21, will be allowed to play for Blue Square Premier side Barrow in their FA Cup second round clash against Brentford tomorrow night, a game which is being shown live on Setanta Sports.
Abbott was also due to speak to John Welsh this morning with the midfielder’s loan month from Hull about to run out.
And the indications are that the former Liverpool man will not be kept on for a longer spell at United now Paul Thirlwell and Chris Lumsdon have both returned to fitness, and with Birchall waiting in the wings.
Striker Danny Carlton, meanwhile, has been cleared by Abbott to play for loan side Morecambe in their FA Cup second round clash with Cheltenham on Saturday.