Carlisle United target Clint Hill is training with former club QPR.

After Blues boss Keith Curle revealed that the veteran had linked up with a Championship club, it today emerged that Hill had returned to Loftus Road.

The 38-year-old also played an hour for their Under-23 team in their 5-0 win against Bolton this afternoon.

It has not yet been confirmed whether QPR are pursuing a deal for the centre-half.

But the chances of United signing the ex-Rangers man - who trained with the Blues two weeks ago - now appear more remote.

Curle has said he would continue to speak to Hill whilst his situation remains unresolved, but also has alternative targets.

On the prospect of further work in the free agent market, United's manager said: "We're always working to try and improve the environment and personnel, that search won't stop.

"Because of the dynamics of the transfer window, and the other avenue available for players [free agents], we're monitoring that, being made aware of other players, and if they are of interest and come into our price bracket, then we will look to do something."

Former Carlisle striker Stephen Elliott, meanwhile, has criticised Curle's touchline approach during his time at the club.

The Irish frontman, who played 18 games for the Blues and scored one goal in 2014/15, having been signed by Curle's predecessor Graham Kavanagh, also said players "slagged off" the Blues boss behind his back.

Elliott, writing on the Sportdec website, said: "When I was at Carlisle, although I wasn't playing in the side due to a long-term injury, the team went through a spell where the results weren’t going too well.

"Manager Keith Curle was constantly on the line screaming and shouting at the players telling them where to run, where to pass, who was on their right shoulder, left shoulder etc.

"At times, he just wouldn't shut up and it definitely affected the lads and not in a positive way.

"A lot of the players would come in and privately be slagging off the manager saying that they could not concentrate on the pitch due to the distraction of him on the line putting them off their game."