John Sheridan says he is "close" to making more of the signings Carlisle United need - and admits the sooner reinforcements come in the better.

The manager conceded the Blues were still "four or five" players short with just over three weeks until the new League Two season.

Sheridan wants to strengthen in a range of positions and, as United prepare for their second pre-season friendly at Penrith tomorrow (Frenchfield Park, 3pm), hopes he can soon add to his five summer additions to date.

"We're four or five players short, we need to bring four or five players in, and I'm in the process of trying to do that," the United boss said.

"I'm talking to people and hopefully will get that done. I definitely think it's what we need to push who's in and around the team at the moment, and strengthen in all departments."

Asked if any deals were close, he said: "They're close, but I can't say too much, because I've been there many a time when it doesn't happen - you can be 97 or 98 per cent there and all of a sudden it doesn't happen."

Sheridan said he remained open-minded on whether United's next new faces would be loans or permanent deals, admitting the loan market could be key for Carlisle because of the potential cost benefits.

"Permanents would be better, but loans can financially help us," he said.

"But whatever is best, and suits all parties, we'll go ahead with.

"I would like them the sooner the better. Players who are training and keeping fit at the moment are going to come in and hopefully they won't be behind what we've got."

Sheridan could also use tomorrow's game to run the rule again over trialists Charlie Scott and Lewis Walters.

Both played in Tuesday's 3-1 defeat at Barrow, former Manchester United defender Scott having linked up with the squad the day before.

Ex-Nottingham Forest forward Walters, meanwhile, has been with the squad since the early stages of pre-season training.

No decisions on the future of the pair had been confirmed as The Cumberland News went to press.

Sheridan has not ruled out looking at more trialists. The manager could also hand a first Blues outing tomorrow to summer signing Gary Miller who, along with midfielder Jamie Devitt, missed Tuesday's game because of back spasms.

On United's game at Barrow - whose side included former Blues and Penrith man Steven Rigg - Sheridan added: "A few of our lads looked a bit short so we need to catch up and get going."

Carlisle's fan groups, meanwhile, are urging volunteers to help out with jobs around the stadium ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.

The Carlisle United Supporters' Groups (CUSG) will be helping with internal painting jobs around Brunton Park.

Simon Clarkson, Chairman of CUSG, said: "We want to run a similar activity to last pre-season that give fans the chance to do their bit to help to get the ground ready for the season.

"The focus will be on internal painting and that will allow the club staff to focus on the pitch and other work they have in hand."

The painting work will include barriers, walkways, fencing and access ways. The volunteer days run from 10am to 4pm on weekdays starting on Monday, July 23. All equipment is provided and volunteers should meet at the club's reception.

For more information email cusg@cusclb.com or tweet @CarlisleUnitedSG.

United are holding their annual summer family fun day on Sunday from 10am-1pm on the training pitch at Brunton Park.

Sheridan and his squad will be there along with a range of stalls and activities.