Carlisle United are poised to make their first transfer breakthroughs of the summer - with two deals on the brink of being completed.

Manager Keith Curle is closing in on a pair of his top close-season targets.

And the signings could even be clinched today as Curle and recruitment chief Lee Dykes step up their bid to rebuild the squad for the 2016/17 season.

United are not commenting on the identities of the players until the deals are 100 per cent completed.

It is understood one of the pair, who is expected to meet Blues officials today, has recent promotion experience.

Carlisle have recently been linked with Morton midfielder Joe McKee, who said last week that he had agreed a move to Brunton Park.

Curle is seeking reinforcements in a host of positions having released 10 players after the end of last season, insisting that extra creativity in midfield was one of his top priorities.

The United boss is also awaiting replies from defenders Tom Miller and Alex McQueen on Carlisle's contract offers.

Cumbrian Gavin Skelton, meanwhile, has been confirmed as Queen of the South's new manager.

The former Workington Reds boss had been in caretaker charge at the Scottish club after the departure of James Fowler.

Skelton, 35, told the Queens website: "I am delighted to be given the opportunity as manager of Queen of the South. Now I can start plans and preparations for what will be an exciting and hopefully successful season.

"I will be working extremely hard to ensure I produce a committed, passionate and talented team that all Queen of the South supporters will enjoy watching and most importantly be proud to support.”

The Doonhamers are understood to be among the clubs eyeing United's released Cumbrian forward Steven Rigg.