CUMBRIANS TRACK SHREWS STOPPER

The 24-year-old is regarded as one of The Shrews' brightest prospects and the capture of his signature would prove an immense coup for under-fire Carlisle boss Ian Atkins (pictured).

The fact that the centre-half is currently under contract with the Shropshire club, coupled with his impressive performances towards the end of the season would put a price-tag of around £100,000 on his services, however, and it would seem highly unlikely that The Cumbrians' budget would stretch this far.

The move could still go ahead, though, amidst continued speculation in the north-west that local multi-millionaire businessman Brooks Mileson is preparing an attempt to wrestle control of the club from Michael Knighton. Any such development may mean a welcome boost to Atkins's war-chest.