Keith Curle is still leaving the door open for Alex McQueen to rejoin Carlisle United - despite urging the player to hold face-to-face talks rather than communicate "by text, WhatsApp or email."

Curle barely disguised his frustration at the lack of contact with the 21-year-old defender as the new season looms ever closer.

While the United boss has spoken to McQueen's representatives, there has not yet been a meeting with the player himself.

Curle - whose side face Barrow tomorrow (Holker Street, 3pm) - said the former Spurs man has turned down Carlisle's contract offer and has asked for better terms from the Blues.

While United's offer remains on the table - the Blues will be entitled to compensation if McQueen joins another English club - there is no sign so far from Brunton Park that they are willing to increase it.

But Curle said that, either way, it is imperative that any discussions should be held in person.

Speaking on United's website Curle said: "We made ]McQueen] an offer of a contract and, as is his right, he turned it down.

“We’ve since had contact from his representatives to ask if we were prepared to up our offer. Personally - and I won’t change on this - I think negotiations need to be done face to face with Alex, his parents and his representatives.

"I don’t think things like this can be done by text, over WhatsApp, or by email."

It is understood that McQueen has been training with other clubs in pre-season but it is not clear whether he is currently with a particular club.

Curle, meanwhile, will again assess trialists in United's latest friendly in south Cumbria tomorrow.

The game will also see Barrow's ex-Blues stalwart Danny Livesey face his former club.