Former Carlisle United defender Richard Keogh has been training with one of the Blues' League Two rivals.

But Mansfield Town, where the centre-half joined in some pre-season work, have played down suggestions they could sign him.

The 34-year-old is without a club after leaving Huddersfield Town, and trained with Nigel Clough's Stags squad last week.

But Keogh's former Derby County boss Clough said the player is in talks elsewhere.

Speaking at a news conference today, Clough said: “He just did a day with us purely as a favour.

“We know Richard from our Derby days.

“He got in touch through his agent who said Richard is just waiting for a deal at a club and could he come up and do a few days with you.

“That was planned last week but he only ended up doing one and then went off for talks with another club.”

Keogh started last season with MK Dons before a move to Huddersfield in January, the Republic of Ireland international making 21 appearances for the Terriers.

He was with United in 2007/8 on loan from Bristol City and then on the permanent books from 2008-10, making 95 appearances in total.