Director of football David Holdsworth said Carlisle United were delighted to keep their promotion-chasing squad intact on a quiet transfer deadline day.

Holdsworth said there had been “serious interest” in one of Chris Beech’s players.

But the Blues suffered no departures in the final hours of the window – while a possible incoming deal for a League One player did not materialise at Brunton Park before the 11pm deadline.

United had completed their key mid-season transfer business earlier in January, and Holdsworth said he was pleased with their work ahead of the second half of the season.

“In early January I said we didn’t want to disrupt Chris’s squad, and we have been successful in keeping that the case,” Holdsworth told the News & Star.

“We fought off serious interest in one of our attacking players and managed to keep the wolves from the door.

“We are extremely happy with our business. We got our work done early, Chris is really happy with the squad, and we feel it’s been a very successful month.”

Holdsworth said there had been discussions over a possible new signing from a League One club on the final day of the window, but no deal was done before the deadline..

“One player came to ours and Chris’s attention and we tried to explore that,” he said.

“It would potentially have been a great addition but everyone has their price. It’s something we could revisit in the summer.”

United’s earlier transfer window additions were Offrande Zanzala, Cedwyn Scott, Morgan Feeney and the returning loanee Ethan Walker.

Other important pieces of business were the extended deal handed to Rhys Bennett, and the retention of loanee Joshua Kayode.

Permanent departures during the winter window were Gavin Reilly and Max Hunt, with loanees Micah Obiero and Connor Malley also returning to parent clubs.

It was a busier day elsewhere in League Two with a host of ins and outs.

Barrow saw loan midfielder Harrison Biggins recalled by Fleetwood, while striker Dior Angus left by mutual consent to join Wrexham.

Colchester brought striker Frank Nouble back to the club after a spell with Plymouth, the Essex club also landing Brendan Sarpong-Wiredu and Josh Doherty, while Cohen Bramall left the Us to join Lincoln.

Leaders Cambridge moved for Coventry defender Declan Drysdale and West Ham loanee Aji Alese, while Bradford spent a five-figure fee on Burton attacker Charles Vernam as well as snapping up Wigan winger Ollie Crankshaw.

Grimsby brought Lenell John-Lewis back from Hereford for a second spell at Blundell Park, also landing free agent left-back Joe Bunney, while Newport’s Robbie Wilmott joined Exeter on loan.

Scunthorpe snapped up right-back Teddy Howe from Blackpool on loan, and signed defender George Taft from Bolton, who were busy in the market with the loan additions of Charlton attacker Marcus Maddison, Burnley keeper Lukas Jensen and West Ham forward Oladapo Afolayan and the permanent signing of ex-Blackpool midfielder MJ Williams.

Morecambe saw Adam Phillips recalled by Burnley and loaned to League One side Accrington, but later brought in Alex Denny from Salford.

In the third tier, ex-United striker Jamie Proctor joined Wigan on loan from Rotherham.

Cheltenham signed midfielder Callum Wright on loan from Leicester, while Derby striker Jahmal Hector-Ingram - who was named as a "player of interest" by Carlisle in the summer window - was loaned to Stevenage.

The latter also signed Spurs' Jack Roles on loan, while Harrogate moved for Birmingham striker Josh Andrews on loan, and Port Vale loaned Nottingham Forest striker Will Swan.

Tranmere made Calum MacDonald’s loan permanent and also brought in Ali Crawford from Bolton before a late loan move for veteran Preston striker David Nugent.

Walsall brought in Lincoln loanee Max Melbourne shortly after confirming Zak Jules' departure to MK Dons.

Mansfield made a late move for Blackpool forward Oliver Sarkic, before allowing striker Nicky Maynard to join Newport on loan.

Barrow-born defender Ben Davies, meanwhile, completed a dream £2m move from Preston to Liverpool.