Chris Beech has played down the latest round of speculation linking Jamie Devitt with a return to Carlisle United.

Fresh reports yesterday linked the Blackpool midfielder with a move to Brunton Park.

It follows a summer of persistent speculation suggesting Devitt could come back to the club where he previously spent three seasons.

Devitt also set fans’ tongues wagging when he changed his Twitter profile picture to one from his time wearing the captain’s armband for Carlisle.

Beech, though, was reluctant to talk about the 30-year-old when asked by BBC Radio Cumbria after Carlisle’s EFL Trophy defeat to Fleetwood.

“How can I discuss another club’s player?” the United head coach said.

“He’s a Blackpool player, he’s got a year left [on his contract there], he got heavily looked-after financially when he left this club and that’s where he is.

“I don’t know about anybody changing any profile pics or Whatsapp status pictures, or whatever they get up to on Tinder…”

Beech has said United’s future recruitment will be governed by their injury list. The Blues have made 13 signings so far this summer.

He said: “We’re in a situation where we’ll have to assess as we progress, and recruitment will be based on injuries and cover we need.

“We have a feeling of togetherness, which I want to nurture, and what we have to do now is get it in rhythm.”

Devitt, who has not been given a squad number by Blackpool for the new season, has been told by boss Neil Critchley that he has a few weeks to “sort out” his future.

As well as Carlisle, he has been linked with other League Two clubs this summer including Bolton and Tranmere.