Carlisle United boss Steven Pressley has confirmed the club are hoping to complete a deal for Gateshead midfielder Tom White in the coming days.

The former Blues youth player has held talks with the Cumbrians about a return from the north east.

Pressley said there remains some "hurdles" to clear before an agreement is reached.

They include the compensation Carlisle may have to pay.

Pressley, though, suggested 22-year-old White was keen to join the Brunton Park club.

"He was Gateshead's player of the year, he's hungry and desperate to do well, and when he spoke to me yesterday he said he feels he has unfinished business at the club, which excites me," Pressley said.

White, an England C international, was a United youth team player before being released by the Blues in 2014.

He linked up with Gateshead and, after a cruciate knee ligament injury saw him leave the Heed, he fought his way back to earn another chance.

He impressed with 44 appearances last season and could now follow team-mate Jon Mellish to Brunton Park.

Pressley added that he would prefer to have White in the club in time for the start of pre-season training tomorrow, but that would depend on negotiations.

"I'd love him in the building tomorrow, but if that doesn't happen it's because there are a couple of obstacles to get over," the Blues manager added at his first press conference since returning from the summer break.

"The situation is that there's compensation on him that needs to be agreed, and certain other aspects of the deal.

"I'm not saying we're definitely going to get over those hurdles but our hope is that we will, and if we do he is a player we're quite excited about."

United have made six summer signings to date.

Former Blues defender Anthony Gerrard, meanwhile, has been reunited with John Sheridan at Chesterfield.

The centre-half, released by the Blues in May, has signed a two-year contract with the National League club.

Sheridan, who quit United to return to the Spireites in January, said: “I’ve been trying to get Anthony for a while now and I think he’ll be a top player for us. He’s played at a higher level and he’s just what we need.

"I think he'll be the best centre-half in this division."

Striker Mark Cullen, who had an injury-hit loan spell at United last season, has joined Port Vale after being released by Blackpool.

Cullen joins ex-United frontman Richie Bennett at Vale Park.