Carlisle United have confirmed that the club's debt to Purepay Retail Limited has been "dealt with" ahead of the Piataks' takeover.

The Blues have not yet gone in to detail about the agreement with the firm the club owes about £2.6m.

But club officials have said that, following recent comments by the Piataks' Castle Sports Group, the long-standing debt issue - previously described as a "significant hurdle" to a change of control at United - has indeed been resolved by the club's American suitors.

It represents a crucial and major development in the process which is set to see the Piatak family take charge at Brunton Park.

Speaking at a recent supporters' groups (CUSG) meeting, whose minutes have been published today by the club, United chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: "PurePay debt has been dealt with by Castle Sports Group as per its social media comment.

"It is not the right time to go into detail or comment further but it will be explained in due course."

Clibbens also said that the takeover remains on course.

"Legal documents to conclude the sale are progressing," he writes in an official monthly update circulated to fan groups.

"Once completed, the final outstanding documents will be submitted for clearance."

"Everything is on track to complete the takeover," Clibbens adds in the CUSG minutes, with "formalities" still to complete.

The latest comments from the top of Brunton Park emphasise the Piataks' confidence over the deal being completed soon.

The Florida family recently highlighted United's home game against Charlton Athletic on November 25 as one "not to be missed".

That has been regarded by many as a strong hint at the takeover being concluded by that point.

The Piataks said in late October that "the most significant hurdle is in the rearview mirror" - taken to be a reference to the Purepay debt.