FC Halifax Town defender Niall Maher is the latest player linked with Carlisle United on the January rumour mill.

The 26-year-old Shaymen captain is interesting a number of EFL clubs ahead of the January transfer window, according to The72.

They claim the Blues are joined by Walsall, Scunthorpe United and Rochdale in keeping tabs on ex-Bolton man Maher.

The Manchester-born player has been with Halifax since 2018 and has this season helped them to second place in the National League.

He is the latest name to be linked with the Cumbrians after speculation that the Blues are interested in Rangers winger Josh McPake who is currently on loan with Morecambe.

Maher came through the ranks at Bolton and made five first-team appearances for the Trotters.

He made 10 loan appearances for Blackpool before moving on to Bury, for whom ha played 23 times in 2016/17.

After spells with Galway United and Telford United, he established himself at the Shay and has 133 appearances to his name for Halifax.

He was in the Halifax side that faced the Blues in pre-season, when Carlisle won 3-0 at Brunton Park.