Keith Curle is not giving up on a return to Carlisle United for loan star Macaulay Gillesphey - but fellow Newcastle man Alex Gilliead looks set to go elsewhere.

The Blues boss had earmarked another double deal for the St James' Park duo, who spent most of last season at Brunton Park.

But while defender Gillesphey remains in his sights, it appears Toon boss Rafa Benitez will loan Gilliead to a League One club in 2016/17.

Carlisle boss Curle said: "We've had communications with Newcastle and the initial feeling is Alex Gilliead's next progression is going to be at a higher level.

"With Macaulay, we've posted an interest, and the situation at the minute is that Macaulay has signed a two-year contract, and with Newcastle being relegated, he'll be trying to be in and around the squad, until he's told he's not going to figure.

"Then it's a case of asking if there is still room for him to be able to come here and progress here.

"If not, there will be other takers for him."

At the end of last season Gillesphey said he would not rule out another spell with United.

But it seems the 20-year-old will be striving to catch Benitez's eye in pre-season before making any decision on his short-term future.

United would have to push for either a half-season or full-season loan for the young defender after changes to the loan system.

Interest in Gillesphey indicates that Curle remains keen to strengthen his defence before the big kick-off on August 6.

But the Blues boss is also hoping to add another striker to his squad.

One possibility would be a return to Bury for loanee Hallam Hope, with Curle confirming he remains interested in the 22-year-old.

But, like the Newcastle pair, any potential deal now rests on Hope's pre-season prospects at Gigg Lane under boss David Flitcroft.

Curle said: "I've spoken to Hallam's representative, and Bury, and the message there is the manager has given a clean slate to all the loan players they had last season.

"Pre-season's an opportunity now for them to impress and get back into the squad at their parent club.

"If Hallam has a good pre-season, the door's open for him to play League One football.

"But we've posted an interest. Hallam enjoyed his time here, understands how we do things, and if things aren't going for the right direction for player or club, potentially we're still interested."

*HIBS manager Neil Lennon says he has held talks with Carlisle-born striker Grant Holt.