Keith Curle has shot down rumours that Carlisle United's top scorer Charlie Wyke is on his way to Preston.

The manager has spoken out about speculation that a secret deal had been done to sell the 14-goal hitman to Deepdale next month.

Curle said there had so far been no approaches or bids for Wyke, who has been watched by Championship clubs this season.

But that is unlikely to be the end of the transfer window speculation regarding one of United's prized assets.

For the News & Star understands there is a release clause in the 24-year-old's contract.

And this may be less than the £400,000 figure cited by some supporters recently.

Any club that meets the figure in Wyke's deal would then be able to speak to the former Middlesbrough centre-forward.

United have not commented on the clause.

Manager Curle, though, stressed there had been no approach for Wyke as things stand.

Asked if United's No9 had bee the subject of any enquiries or offers, Curle said: "No, nothing.

"I've heard rumours that it's a done deal and he's gone for 450 grand to Preston.

"[But] I've not heard anything. I know the CEO there and I know the manager there. I've spoken to them regularly so I know they've got my number.

"I've spoken to Charlie's agent, Charlie's happy, he's playing games, scoring goals, developing himself as an individual and a footballer, which is important.

"Apart from that, no, I've not had any other enquiries."

Curle has previously said he would not be surprised if clubs from higher divisions test United's resolve to hold onto Wyke next month.

His record of a goal every two appearances so far this season has caught the eye with clubs from League One and the Championship believed to have sent scouts to monitor the striker.

Other League Two hotshots, like Grimsby's Omar Bogle, are attracting similar attention.

But Curle insisted that, even if offers are tabled for Wyke in January, the frontman would not necessarily leave.

"Everyone wants a goalscorer at the right age," Curle added.

"Even if you get two people in, and it creates a bidding war, it's still down to Charlie [either] to go, or stay at the club where he's scoring goals and developing."