Carlisle United have tonight confirmed they are working under an exclusivity agreement with American investors over the future of the club.

The Blues have named the Piatak family - the Florida business people whose interest was revealed by the News & Star last month - for the first time.

And United's statement regarding "advanced talks" with the Piataks comes on the day that reports emerged about rival interest from a Turkish consortium.

Carlisle, without addressing that report directly, said they wanted to issue a "clear message" to other interested parties that the club cannot enter into talks with them whilst under legal exclusivity with the Piataks.

The Jacksonville logistics business people - headed by Magellan Transport Logistics owner Tom Piatak, a US military veteran - have been in discussions with the club for several months and have attended a number of games.

They are also set to meet fans at a members' meeting organised by supporters' trust CUOSC later this month.

Carlisle's statement, which the club said was made on behalf of its shareholders, said: 

"In light of recent speculation, we can confirm that the shareholders are in advanced negotiations with the Piatak family in relation to investment in the club.

We have entered into, and are working through, a period of exclusivity with a view to concluding that transaction.  

Any transaction is of course subject to contract, EFL approval, and the participation of CUOSC.

CUOSC has an upcoming members’ meeting to discuss the proposals. 

As confirmed previously, we continue to be contacted by parties expressing interest in the club. 

The message to those parties is that the shareholders are unable to progress any discussions whilst they are in a period of legal exclusivity with another party.

We ask fans to be patient and understanding during this time.  

As and when there is further information which we can share with fans, we will do so."

The Piataks have been courting the Blues for several months and we recently revealed how Tom Piatak snr and members of his family were sat near United directors at the League Two play-off final against Stockport County at Wembley in May.

Members of the family had also attended that month's semi-final second leg against Bradford City at Brunton Park - and were also at July's pre-season friendly at Annan Athletic.

Tom Piatak snr and jnr then watched last month's League One game against Exeter City at Brunton Park from the Andrew Jenkins Stand before moving to the Warwick Road End.

It also emerged that Tom snr and wife Patricia had set up a UK-based company called Castle Sports Group Limited.

Manager Paul Simpson recently said he had met the Americans and has spoken positively about the situation.

Carlisle last month confirmed they were in discussions with "credible" parties over the future of the club but had not named the Piataks until now.

Fans' trust CUOSC also declined to name the Americans following our story and the subsequent speculation, but have shared tonight's statement with their members.

The Piataks have so far not responded to the News & Star's invitations to comment.

Today's move by the club comes after a tweet this morning by Football Insider journalist Pete O'Rourke that a Turkish consortium had "launched a bid" for the club this week.

The Turkish group were said by the BBC to have north east links.

Details about the latter "bid", though, remain scarce with the names of potential Turkish investors yet to be made public, and there appearing little prospect of such a deal as things stand.

United and their trust, meanwhile, have repeatedly referred to the importance of resolving debt negotiations with Purepay Retail Limited before any takeover/investment deal can progress.

The club are hoping to agree terms on a repayment plan on the £2.7m debt situation with Purepay.