Derek Asamoah's Carlisle United future is in the balance today with the veteran striker's contract now up.

Manager Keith Curle says he has already spoken to the 35-year-old, who came on as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw against Morecambe.

The decision at the end of Asamoah's latest month-long deal will come after chairman Andrew Jenkins said some short-term deals in the squad need to be "brought towards a conclusion".

With Curle trying to make room on the budget for further transfer window signings, that could put Asamoah's chances of an extended stay in peril.

The Ghanaian has made 11 appearances without scoring since rejoining the Blues in October.

Curle has been tracking other strikers, including former Newport loanee Rhys Healey who was on the bench for parent club Cardiff on Saturday.

On the prospect of more new faces to join Saturday's debutant Gary Liddle, the Blues manager said: "We are working and it is a work in progress.

"We are always looking to improve but I've got one eye on the finances with the football club as well.

"We haven't got a pot of money. Anything over a certain crowd level does create revenue and we are working together.

"But one eye is on caution. You can't spend more than you've got."

Jenkins used his programme notes on Saturday to suggest Carlisle were at around "98 per cent" of their budget.

The chairman, though, said United "could do with two or three players" this month and said the club would "work tirelessly" to try and help Curle in the market.

Curle, meanwhile, said his decision to omit Shaun Brisley and Kevin Wright from Saturday's squad was simply down to his wish for a variety of substitute options.

He said: "I didn’t want to have three centre-backs on the bench. I had Michael Raynes and Mark Ellis, and Mark's versatility to be able to play in a full-back position adds a different dynamic to what Shaun Brisley's got.

"It was two out of three, and one had to miss out. With Kevin it came down to options and availability of players, and I was happy with the attacking options I had."