Keith Curle wants Newcastle loan kids Alex Gilliead and Macaulay Gillesphey to return to Carlisle United next season.

The manager has already spoken to the pair - and their agents - about the possibility of rejoining the Blues for the 2016/17 campaign.

Curle is keen for six-month or season-long loans for the 20-year-old duo.

And while the Blues boss admits the decision will rest with the players and their parent club, he warned them against the risks of returning to Under-21 football next term.

Curle said: "I have already spoken to those players and their agents.

"I see their continued progression to have a minimum of another six months with us, or potentially another year with us.

"Because of what they’ve done and how they’ve adapted to league football, that option might be taken away from us.

"I've expressed an interest with the players and ultimately it's down to them.

"But they can't afford to be at their parent club and not be playing games. I don’t see them progressing if they're not playing football."

Winger Gilliead and defender Gillesphey joined Carlisle last September, the former making 41 appearances and the latter 27.

Gilliead scored his fifth professional goal in United's final game of the season at Notts County.

Both players have recently spoken of their debt of gratitude to Carlisle for their development this campaign.

They were encouraged to join the Blues on loan by their Under-21 coach at St James' Park, Peter Beardsley.

Their fate next season could be influenced in part by Newcastle's battle for Premier League survival.

The Magpies will be relegated tonight if bitter rivals Sunderland beat Everton.

Curle added: "I like to think we've looked after them very well and given them good foundations.

"Both have been very respectful and thankful of the opportunity we gave them. It might not be the end of that story for them."