Cumbrian striker Ryan Bowman is reportedly the subject of interest from Carlisle United's League Two rivals Exeter.
The Carlisle-born Motherwell frontman, who came through the youth ranks at Brunton Park, is attracting interest.
It is claimed on BBC Scotland that, after another club made a five-figure bid for Bowman, Exeter have now made their interest known.
Bowman, 27, was left out of the Motherwell squad for their 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock on Saturday after the Scottish Premier club received a bid.
Manager Stephen Robinson said: "We may have an offer for Ryan Bowman.
"It came in very late in the day so we felt it was in everyone's best interests that he wasn't involved."
Exeter may be considering their strike options if they risk losing prolific Jayden Stockley in January.
The big frontman has scored 15 goals in 27 appearances this season and is certain to be attracting interest.
Another connection to Bowman at St James' Park is the Grecians' assistant manager Eric Kinder, who was Bowman's youth team boss at United.
Bowman made nine senior appearances for his home-city club, also spending time with Workington on loan before moving on to Darlington, Hereford, York, Torquay and Gateshead.
He has scored two goals in 20 Motherwell appearances this season and 14 goals in 86 outings overall after moving north of the border in 2016.
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