Carlisle United say they have held "positive" talks with manager Keith Curle - but have not yet offered him a new deal.

The club today issued an update following discussions with the Blues boss last week.

It saw chief executive Nigel Clibbens reveal that Curle has the funds to bring new players in this month without others first having to leave.

But the manager's long-term future at the club remains unresolved.

Clibbens said only a "short and preliminary discussion" was held on Curle's contract situation and that talks would continue.

"We did not get into any detailed discussion, offer or contract negotiation, but we started the process and began by simply sharing some initial thoughts during an open and honest conversation," the director said.

Clibbens said it would not be right for the club to disclose details of that aspect of the meeting.

He also said the Blues would not offer a "running commentary" on Curle's contract position, but added that another update would be given next month, unless the matter is resolved sooner.

"The meeting was positive, and everyone has a clear understanding of the open issues we need to deal with, and be comfortable with as a club, in order to advance talks further," Clibbens added.

"The absolute immediate priority is to do all we can to bring improvement and success to the club. That means working together, directing all our efforts, and providing all the support we can, as a club, towards winning football matches, with no distractions.

"We must put the club’s success first and make sure we all concentrate on that."

The manager had called for "clarity" ahead of last Friday's three-hour meeting with the United hierarchy.

Curle, whose current deal is up in the summer, then said on Saturday that he expected further meetings as some aspects of the discussion remained unresolved.

On the transfer window, meanwhile, Clibbens said "additional new cash" would be made available to the manager.

This follows United's progress in the FA Cup, with Clibbens saying the second-round win over Gillingham was worth about £50,000.

"This football fortune, together with other new business income, has already allowed us to back Keith's wishes to sign Clint Hill, James Brown, Jack Bonham and Sam Cosgrove again in this window," Clibbens added.

"The club also confirmed the additional new cash we would make available in January, after these signings, to support further improvements to the playing squad.

"There is scope for players to come in, without any having to leave.

"The [third round] replay gate share from the Sheffield Wednesday match next Tuesday will add another small amount to that total."

Clibbens said initial talks with and enquiries about transfer targets have already taken place.

He also said more funds can be generated if Curle is "creative" with his current squad - a suggestion that some players could leave this month.

"The position will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing and daily basis, as things change," Clibbens added about the budget.

"The club remains committed to directing as much cash towards football as possible. We continue to try to give the maximum financial support we can to the manager and team, to help them to achieve the improvement in performances and results we all want to see."

Clibbens said updates such as today's, which appeared on the club's website, will appear more regularly as part of a commitment to communicate more with fans.

Earlier this morning Clibbens refused to be drawn when asked on BBC Radio Cumbria if Curle would be the club's manager next season.

He said it would depend on "whether he wants to stay" and also on what the club's plans are.

He previously said the subject of Curle's contract only took up "five minutes" of Friday's discussion.