Carlisle United are hoping to keep the core of last season's squad together by offering six deals to key players.

The Blues' retained and released list, published today, confirmed the identity of those they want to keep.

The list included some of the senior members of 2020/21's squad, as well as a young defender yet to make a first-team appearance.

Keeper Paul Farman is wanted for a second campaign in Cumbria after spending much of his first season as first-choice.

The ex-Stevenage and Lincoln man made 45 appearances in all competitions and kept 15 clearn sheets.

United want the 31-year-old again to compete with the under-contract Magnus Norman in the new season, the latter making six appearances during the campaign.

There is a deal on the table for captain Nick Anderton, after the left-back's first full season with Carlisle brought 44 appearances and two goals.

The 25-year-old was Carlisle's first-choice left-back for the opening months of the season, with Anderton losing his place to Jack Armer for a period of the run-in.

The ex-Blackpool and Barrow man later returned to the side at centre-half.

Carlisle also want to extend Rhys Bennett's stay in Cumbria.

The centre-half joined in the autumn and made 26 appearances, scoring five goals, Bennett having extended his short-term deal in January.

Another defender, Morgan Feeney, has been given a show of faith despite not making a first-team appearance due to injury.

The ex-Sunderland and Everton man signed in January but a broken foot, suffered early into his Blues spell, left him sidelined.

Feeney returned to action for the reserves in the Central League Cup final against Bournemouth and United believe the 22-year-old could have a bright future at Brunton Park.

In attack, Offrande Zanzala's five goals in 22 appearancecs have been enough for the Blues to seek to retain him.

The 24-year-old forced his way into the side after his January move from Crewe and impressed with goals against Grimsby, Bradford, Mansfield, Southend and Barrow.

United also want to keep Omari Patrick, another regular member of their attack.

The pacy 24-year-old, who joined from Bradford in January 2020, made 40 appearances and scored five goals last season.

His deal upon signing last year contained an "option".

Head coach Chris Beech recently said he expected a "fight" to keep hold of some of the players.

He said he hoped they would choose "football over finance" and opt to stick with Carlisle despite the possiblity of earning more elsewhere.

"They know what they get from me, the environment we create on the training pitch, and they know how we want to play," he said.