John Sheridan hopes his reputation in the game will help him make the transfer breakthroughs Carlisle United need this month.

The Blues boss is chasing a number of targets as he tries to keep United’s play-off push firmly on track.

Carlisle face a crucial period of business as they bid to sustain their impressive rise to seventh in League Two.

The prospect of significant ins and outs at Brunton Park is clear with United having made offers to two players whilst also being involved in big decisions on loan players.

Sheridan, whose team have won five in a row, said: “I’m hoping if people know me, and what I’m like, they’ll want to come and play for you.

“I’ll just try and fill in areas that I feel we need to strengthen.”

United’s focus is understood to be in attacking and wide areas as they look at potential targets.

The Cumbrians are also not giving up on the possibility of bringing Jerry Yates back from Rotherham with talks continuing with the Millers.

The forward was recalled by the Championship club and named on the bench for their game against Preston.

Yates did not get onto the pitch despite Rotherham – hit by injuries, suspensions and the loss of loan players – only being able to name six subs.

The Blues will also continue to keep an open mind on the Ashley Nadesan situation with the Fleetwood frontman set to play the last game of his loan spell this weekend.

Jack Sowerby, meanwhile, appears happy to continue at United for the season after scoring their superb second goal at Morecambe on Tuesday.

His loan is up at the end of the month.

Sheridan has said he will not stand in the way of Mike Jones and Richie Bennett leaving after both indicated their wish to be playing first-team football.

Bennett, who has not started a league game since October, was a late sub at Morecambe while Jones was again unused.

Sheridan said: “I would never stand in anyone’s way.

“If I was a player and not playing, I’d want to go and play somewhere.

“It’s part and parcel of the game. They are good lads but need to be playing. If it benefits us and them, we’ll try and do the right thing.”

Barrow boss Ian Evatt has denied that he would be interested in bringing striker Bennett back to Holker Street.

Adam Campbell’s loan, which officially expired yesterday, is not being extended. On talks over an extension to Anthony Gerrard's half-season deal, Sheridan said: “I’ve left that with Dave [Holdsworth, director of football]. He’s speaking to Gerrard. We’ll try and get something sorted and hopefully we will.”

United will try to make it six league wins in a row this weekend against a third-placed Mansfield side who have lost just once this season and are unbeaten in 17 league games.

Sheridan said: “I’m enjoying it at the moment but not getting carried away.

“I’ll just be the same as I’ve been for most of the season. I know what can be around the corner, but I also know that if you want it, you can go and get it.

“I thought it was a good, solid performance [at Morecambe] and we’ve shown we are a decent side.

“Winning brings that confidence into the team and I just want it to continue.

“We’re doing alright, winning games, and that’s what our aim is to do. We now need to get in and around the mix and try and get closer to teams above us.”