Carlisle United have confirmed that they have received an "approach" for defender and vice-captain Aaron Hayden - understood to be from Wrexham.

The centre-half's future has been the subject of sudden speculation in the last 24 hours.

And the Blues, ahead of today's opening League Two game against Colchester, moved to address the rumours with a short statement on social media.

They did not name the interested club, but it is widely known to be the big-spending National League club Wrexham, who are owned by Hollywood pair Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny.

It means United face the prospect of losing such a key player right at the start of the 2021/22 season.

It remains to be seen whether Hayden will be involved for the Cumbrians today.

United's statement said: "Following intense speculation we can confirm that an approach has been made for defender Aaron Hayden.

"There will be no further comment until after the game.

"All of our focus is on the game, so we are addressing this now as we ask everyone to get behind the team today."

Sources have told the News & Star that there is a strong possibility of Hayden now leaving the club, though no deal has yet been confirmed.

United would be expected to receive a fee for the 24-year-old, who is under contract at Brunton Park until next summer.

If the former Wolves man does leave, it would leave the Cumbrians with a major gap in their squad to fill with the new campaign under way.

Wrexham, managed by Phil Parkinson, have already made waves in the market this summer, including the capture of Cambridge striker Paul Mullin, last season's League Two top scorer.

They have now turned their attention to a player who has made an impressive impact at Carlisle since joining in the summer of 2019 after a trial spell under their previous boss Steven Pressley.

After being given his first-team chance by Pressley's successor Chris Beech, Hayden has gone on to make 73 appearances and score seven goals for the Cumbrians, becoming one of their most important players in the process.

He was appointed vice-captain by boss Chris Beech last summer and retained that position this pre-season as Callum Guy was appointed skipper.

United's other senior centre-halves are Rod McDonald, Morgan Feeney and Corey Whelan, following the summer's earlier departure of Rhys Bennett.

Hayden saw his Blues deal extended by 12 months earlier this year when the club activated an option in his contract.

At the time the Cumbrians said they hoped to negotiate an even longer stay for the Croydon-born player "when the time is right".

If Hayden completes a move to Wales he could partner former Blues defender Shaun Brisley in Wrexham's defence.

The Racecourse Ground club, whose squad also includes former United trialist striker Kwame Thomas, are the bookies' favourites to win the National League in 2021/22 and return to the Football League after a 14-year absence.

They were bought by Deadpool star Reynolds and McElhenny in February when the Hollywood duo took control of the club from the Wrexham Supporters Trust, the pair making a £2 million investment in the club as part of the deal.

A documentary has been commissioned which will follow the club's new era under the actors.