KEITH Curle has played down talk that he could make a move for free agent striker Grant Holt.

The Carlisle-born former top-flight marksman is seeking a new club after his recent departure from Wigan.

It led some Blues fans to urge the Brunton Park club finally to snap up the 34-year-old Harraby man, who has often spoken of his ambition to play for Carlisle.

But manager Curle said the fact Holt has recently moved away from the area made an approach unlikely.

Curle said: “I only just found out he [Holt] has moved back to Norwich.

“It’s a long way from Carlisle.

“I think he’s shown his intentions by moving there with his family.

“[But] you never say never.”

Earlier in the season Curle showed interest in Holt before the ex-Norwich favourite joined Wolves on loan.

The former Workington Reds striker, who enjoyed a fairytale rise from non-league to the top flight, is likely to have interest from the Championship as well as Leagues One and Two.

Curle has refused to rule out additions now the emergency loan window has reopened, but his main options up front remain Charlie Wyke, Jabo Ibehre, Derek Asamoah and Hallam Hope.

There is further good news, meanwhile, on another frontman as Steven Rigg nears a return after injury.

The Cumbrian suffered ankle ligament damage just minutes into his loan debut for Barrow in November.

Curle said: “Riggy is back field-based and has trained the last few days, which is excellent.”

United’s manager last weekend revealed he had received a loan enquiry for one of his strikers.

He said: “I spoke to the player [last Friday] and said I’d had a phonecall, from an agent representing a club, asking about the player’s availability.

“I said that every player’s available at the club to a degree, but when I spoke to the player, there wasn’t an immediate desire to follow it up.”