Hallam Hope's Carlisle United future is back in the balance with clubs showing renewed interest in the forward ahead of the transfer deadline.

The Blues have fielded further enquiries for the 25-year-old who could yet leave Brunton Park before September 2.

United say they would like to keep Hope but also want to have a replacement lined up in the event of last season's top scorer departing.

Summer speculation over Hope had appeared to tail off as Blackpool, who had been linked with a move, cooled their interest.

It is understood, though, that League Two and League One clubs have made fresh enquiries.

The Blues' director of football David Holdsworth said: "Things are still open, we have had enquiries and anticipate offers.

"Hallam has expressed that he would like to move on if that's a possibility, but we would like to keep him.

"We have done everything we can to keep him and if he stays he will be a very important player to us."

Hope has made three sub appearances this season since returning from a pre-season injury.

He reportedly told United earlier in the summer that he was keen to play at a higher level.

Carlisle turned down offers for his services which did not meet their valuation.

On the prospect of lining up targets to replace Hope, Holdsworth added: "We must make sure the manager has his options covered if we allow someone to go."

United, meanwhile, are continuing to field interest from the Premier League and Championship in some of the younger players.

It follows the summer sale of Liam McCarron to Leeds and continued interest in defender Jarrad Branthwaite. Others in the youth set-up are being monitored and Holdsworth said: "If we do allow anybody to go we must make sure we get the level of fees we expect. Otherwise nobody will depart."

Boss Steven Pressley, meanwhile, wants a response from his players against League Two new boys Salford this weekend. The clash follows their third straight league defeat at the hands of Cheltenham on Tuesday night.

“We’ve got to respond on Saturday," he said. "We know we must get back to winning ways in the league very quickly.”