Carlisle United are the subject of an approach involving local businessmen and former players Chris Lumsdon and Steve Skinner, it has today emerged.

It is understood the ex-players are involved in an approach to the club hierarchy.

Former midfielder Lumsdon, a News & Star columnist and BBC Radio Cumbria co-commentator, today confirmed that informal talks have been held “to help the club”.

The identities of the businesspeople behind the approach have not yet been revealed.

United, invited to respond today, did not comment on the specific approach but referred to recent comments by chief executive Nigel Clibbens on approaches from interested parties.

A Blues spokesman said: “As covered in the recent Carlisle United Supporters’ Groups [CUSG) meeting at the beginning of November, chief executive Nigel Clibbens confirmed that he had met with an investment broker, who was representing potentially interested parties, and that other directors have been contacted by two separate other parties, but no interest has progressed on any of them so far.

“He went on to describe it as ‘at best these were tentative enquiries’. There is nothing further to add at this stage.”