Carlisle United linked with Bradford City keeper Harry Lewis

Reports say the Blues have targeted the Bantams No1, who faced United in last season's League Two play-off semi-finals.

The Cumbrians have been seeking a new senior No1 for some time.

And national reports say 26-year-old Lewis is the man now in their sights.

Former Southampton man Lewis impressed in an ever-present league season at Valley Parade last term. 

Bit of lower league transfer info - Bradford City's number one Harry Lewis expected to sign for Carlisle today. Viewed by some as best in Lge 2. Undisclosed fee. Carlisle having a go. #bcafc #cufc

— Mike Keegan (@MikeKeegan_DM) January 10, 2024

He has remained the Bantams' regular No1 this season with 31 outings in all competitions, taking his tally to 86 games for the Yorkshire club.

Lewis was an ever-present for Bradford in the league last season and faced Carlisle in the play-offs (Image: Ben Holmes)

Lewis had been the subject of interest from Barnsley last summer but a move did not materialise.

He was on the bench for Bradford in Tuesday night's victory at Derby County in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.

United manager Paul Simpson has made little secret of his wish to bring in another senior keeper.

It followed previous No1 Tomas Holy losing his place after a series of errors, with 20-year-old Cumbrian Gabe Breeze having performed well since he stepped up to the side.

Carlisle will also have Reading loanee Jokull Andresson back from injury soon, but his short-lived run in the first team during the autumn was also error-strewn.

And Simpson is keen to bring in someone who will hopefully prove a more reliable senior No1 for the fight to stay in League One.

Previous reports said United were interested in ex-Portsmouth keeper Craig MacGillivray, who was also linked with Stevenage, although fresh reports today says a move to the latter has fallen through.

United, backed by new owners the Piatak family, have already made three January signings in the form of striker Luke Armstrong, midfielder Harrison Neal and loan defender Seán Grehan.

The Cumbrians, who are six points adrift of the safety line in League One in 23rd place, are at home to Oxford United this weekend.