By Jon Colman

Last updated at 13:43, Monday, 15 June 2009

Homesick Cumbrian Glenn Murray is back on Carlisle United’s radar as the Blues continue their search for a 20-goal-a-season hitman.

Former United player Glenn Murray, playing for Brighton, is challenged by Blues’ Richard Keogh

Former United, Workington and Barrow striker Murray recently handed in a transfer request at Brighton after claiming he wanted to return to live in the north.

The Seagulls, who paid Rochdale £300,000 for the 25-year-old’s services 18 months ago, have warned that Murray will only leave the south coast at a high price.

But that has not prevented the frontman from coming under consideration at Brunton Park as Blues boss Greg Abbott seeks a replacement for departing Danny Graham.

A return to United - also chasing Bury's Andy Bishop - would appeal to Murray, who hails from Maryport.

But the transfer fee the striker would command would be an obvious stumbling block for the Cumbrians, who are not in a position to fork out substantial funds in the market this summer even though they are entitled to compensation when wantaway Graham finds another club.

Murray was troubled by a hernia problem last season but still has an impressive strike rate at the Withdean, with 19 goals in 38 League starts.

He is under contract until June 2011 but wants to return north after the mother of his baby son failed to settle on the South Coast.

Brighton manager Russell Slade has not given up hope of holding onto Murray but the likelihood is that he will leave the club before the 2009/10 campaign.

The striker will not be short of admirers after seeing his reputation soar after leaving Carlisle for Rochdale in the 2006/7 season.

If he does make a surprise return to Brunton Park it would be as the Blues' leading striker - in contrast to his previous spell at the club when he rarely enjoyed a regular run in the side under managers Paul Simpson and Neil McDonald.

Murray managed seven goals in 58 appearances for United from 2004-2007 before kickstarting his career at Spotland.

Former Blues target Grant Holt, meanwhile, is a rumoured target for League One new boys Norwich.

But Shrewsbury manager Paul Simpson insists he has had no offers for the Carlisle-born striker, who blasted 28 goals last season.

Holt has long stated his desire to play for his home-town club at some stage in his career but a possible switch to United this summer also seems unlikely.

"Grant is contracted for the next two years and I want him to stay here," said Simpson, who last week lured United goalekeping coach Dave Timmins to the Prostar Stadium.

United will learn their Carling Cup first round opponents tomorrow, while next season's League One fixtures will be released on Wednesday.

First published at 11:27, Monday, 15 June 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk