Could these free agents be on Carlisle United radar?

MATTY VIRTUE

The hard-working midfielder is among the players released by Blackpool following their League One campaign.

The 27-year-old former Liverpool prospect spent the last five years at Bloomfield Road, and featured 34 times as the Seasiders narrowly missed out on the play-offs.

He had interested Wrexham the previous year but will now weigh up other interest this summer.

BEN HENEGHAN

Fleetwood Town have dispensed with Heneghan’s services after relegation but he is likely to have lower-league suitors.

The big defender, 30, has plenty of experience from spells with clubs such as Motherwell, AFC Wimbledon and Sheffield Wednesday.

Could offer defensive aerial prowess and some leadership presence to a rearguard that needs it in League Two.

TOM PEARCE

Among the eyecatching names on Wigan's released list was left-sided Pearce, 26.

He has been with the Latics since 2019, having come through Leeds United's academy.

A good crosser, who totted up four assists last season despite not being a regular starter, he looks an interesting option in the market this summer.

TOM BAYLISS

The midfielder impressed against Carlisle for Shrewsbury Town last season and is now on the market having been released.

Bayliss, the former Coventry City and Preston North End man, played for England’s Under-19s in a period when Paul Simpson was involved in the FA age groups.

At 25, still has time to progress if he can find a new home for his creative qualities. And United certainly need some of those.

HAKEEB ADELAKUN

The winger is moving on from Lincoln City and is likely to come in for some interest in the fourth tier, maybe higher.

Adelakun has had loan spells in League Two during his three years at Sincil Bank - including with losing play-off semi-finalists Doncaster Rovers - and will now be looking for a permanent home.

Offering versatility in attacking positions, as well as pace and power, he could fit the profile of what clubs such as Carlisle are looking to add.

Hakeeb Adelakun (Image: PA)

JAMES GIBBONS

If United are looking for a right-sided defender with decent pedigree, then the released Bristol Rovers man Gibbons could be one to consider.

The 26-year-old has plenty of games in the tank now from his spells with the Gas, Port Vale and Cambridge United.

Gibbons played in a number of defensive areas for Cambridge and could offer value for money as an adaptable player to his next club.

DIALLANG JAIYESIMI

On the move after being released by Charlton Athletic, 25-year-old Jaiyesimi could be a player of interest in League Two.

The Londoner’s impressive work for Swindon Town earned him a move to the Valley three years ago but now, after loans at AFC Wimbledon and St Johnstone, he’s back on the market.

A tricky wide player who needs a new home, Jaiyesimi will be looking for a club who can unlock the best of his skills again.

RYAN CROASDALE

Deemed surplus to requirements by Stockport County, Croasdale will offer experience at the top end of League Two to his next club.

He has 180 games under his belt from his last four years at Edgeley Park and has been part of the winning form which has taken the Hatters from the National League to the third tier.

Along with fellow released midfielder Myles Hippolyte, the hard-working midfielder has caught the eye against Carlisle before, and the 29-year-old should not find it hard to find a new destination.

AARON HAYDEN

Pointless ignoring this one, given his obvious connections to Carlisle and the fact there has already been speculation about a possible return.

Hayden, who left the Blues for Wrexham three years ago, has not had his contract renewed and is available for a move.

United fans know all about Hayden’s aerial ability and his positive character. It was not enough to sustain him longer at the Racecourse Ground, where injuries also hampered him last season. Could, though, his stature be worth a second go at Brunton Park?

Aaron Hayden (Image: PA)

CALLUM MCFADZEAN

Another let go by Wrexham, McFadzean offers a left wing-back option to anyone ready to take a chance on the Yorkshire native.

Has bags of experience from his background with Sheffield United, Plymouth Argyle and Crewe Alexandra among others.

Injuries limited him last season but upon his recovery, can offer his pedigree in the free agent market now.

RYAN BOWMAN

Another name that would not satisfy those who say “never go back”. But would Carlisle lad Bowman be worth a shot in League Two?

The 32-year-old has a respectable goalscoring career from spells at clubs such as Motherwell and Exeter City.

And while his time at Shrewsbury tailed off at the end, he remains an experienced customer who knows where the net is, and could certainly handle himself at fourth tier level.