Last updated at 12:12, Tuesday, 10 July 2012

Francois Zoko could be back at Brunton Park next season – playing for Sheffield United.

Francois Zoko

The Ivorian forward has been linked with a move to Carlisle’s League One rivals after turning down the Blues’ offer of a new deal.

Blades boss Danny Wilson is reported to be hoping to lure Zoko to Bramall Lane as he seeks to build a squad capable of winning promotion after failing in last season’s play-off final.

Preston are also thought to have held talks with the 28-year-old, who is available on a free after seeing out his contract at Carlisle. Zoko’s availability has alerted a number of clubs after proving a big hit during two season at Brunton Park, where he scored 24 goals, including 14 last season.

Meanwhile, Carlisle boss Greg Abbott says his players returned to pre-season training looking fit and hungry after their break.

Abbott, who takes his squad to Kendal Town on Friday night for their opening pre-season friendly, held a team meeting with his players to drum out what he expects from them next season.

He said: “The feeling from the meeting was pretty good. The new lads are keen and enthusiastic.

“We know we have one or two gaps to fill before the start of the season but at the moment things are going in the right direction and everybody is happy.

“They have bought in to what we are trying to do and they have shown, from the way they have come back to us, they are fit and ready to go.”

ALittle@cngroup.co.uk

First published at 11:31, Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk