Paul Simpson today claimed that one of his Carlisle United players has been illegally “tapped up” by another club.

The United manager did not name the player, and said he did not know the identity of the club.

But the Blues boss used his post-match interviews at Bradford City to express his disappointment in the situation.

He said it involved a player he has been planning to offer a new deal at Brunton Park.

“I know for a fact that there’s already one of our players who I want to offer a contract to stay with us who has been tapped up by another club,” Simpson said.

“So that’s really disappointing because there’s already an indication there that he won’t be coming back.

“On Tuesday night I was made aware of it – foolishly he [the player involved] told me.

“He didn’t realise it was illegal, against the rules. You’re only allowed to speak to clubs [at this stage in the season] if it’s an international transfer.

“It’ll be interesting to see where he signs because I’m led to believe he’s not coming back, which is a shame, because I wanted to have an opportunity to keep him.

“I don’t know who the club is, so I can’t report it, but when you’re in a club that wants to try to do it properly I do find it really disappointing.”

Simpson is preparing to meet his players on Monday to inform them of contract decisions.

He said the “tapping-up” situation - which he said had been happening for "several weeks" with the player invovled - would have to be brushed aside by the Blues as they set about rebuilding for the 2022/23 season.

“There’s no point making a big deal of it,” the Carlisle boss said after the 2-0 defeat at Valley Parade on the last day of the season. “There’s worse things happening in the world so we just have to get on with it.

“If players don’t want to be here then there are going to be hundreds, possibly thousands of players available in the summer.

“Our job is to get things right with ins and outs so that we can all push on.

“We’re looking at a whole host of new signings to try to make us stronger and who will give us a good start to the season. That’s what will keep the support and the enthusiasm.”

READ MORE: Bradford City 2-0 Carlisle United report: Blues equal unwanted club record with last-day defeat