CARLISLE UNITED manager Paul Simpson will be prioritising the signing of a goalkeeper after the club revealed Magnus Norman will be leaving after rejecting a new deal.

The Blues had already opted not to renew Mark Howard's contract, who was first choice at Brunton Park, but had entered negotiations with Norman, who signed on a free transfer from Fulham in 2020.

Carlisle said in a statement on Wednesday: "Carlisle United Football Club can confirm that keeper Magnus Norman has turned down the offer of a new deal and will be moving on from the club in the summer.

"Everyone at the club wishes him all the very best."

The 25-year-old, who had spells on loan from the Cottagers with Rochdale, Southport and Farnborough, made 14 league appearances for the Blues in his two seasons at the club.

Norman conceded five goals on his debut as Sunderland ran out 5-3 winners in the Papa John's Trophy in 2020-21, but kept clean sheets this season in games against Colchester United and Port Vale. His last appearance came in the 2-0 defeat to Forest Green at Brunton Park, and was not involved when Simpson took charge in February.

Meanwhile, Harrogate Town will not be following up their interest in former Blues defender Rod McDonald, who was released at the end of the season.

The 30-year-old centre-half was linked with a move to the League Two side, but manager Simon Weaver has opted against signing the experienced campaigner.

He told the Harrogate Advertiser: “We are not after Rodney. He is a good lad but we have targeted other centre-backs to be honest.”