Carlisle United striker Hallam Hope would like to leave the club after renewed interest from clubs in League One and Two as reported by the News and Star.
Speculation over the future of last season’s top scorer seemed to cool when League One Blackpool shifted their attention to alternative targets, but Carlisle director of football David Holdsworth confirmed the club had fielded several further enquiries for the twenty-five-year-old who could yet leave Brunton Park before the window closes on September 2.
However, although Holdsworth once again confirmed the player would like to move on, he also claimed the Cumbrians were doing everything in their power to keep him and that he would only leave if they could find a suitable replacement. He said: ‘Things are still open, we have had enquiries and anticipate offers.’
‘Hallam has expressed that he would like to move on if that’s a possibility, but we would like to keep him.’
‘We have done everything we can to keep him, and if he stays, he will be a very important player for us.’
‘We must make sure the manager has his options covered if we allow someone to go.’
Hope’s made three substitute appearances so far this season since returning from a pre-season injury.
He reportedly told the club he wants to play at a higher level in the summer, and the Star claims the club have turned down offers for the forward that do not meet their valuation.
The former Bury attacker initially joined the Blues on a two-year deal in the summer of 2017 following a successful loan spell. The option of a further twelve months was taken up by the club in the summer. He’s scored thirty-three goals in one hundred and eleven outings for the Cumbrians.
Our View
Hope is a good striker, and a move away from Brunton Park seems likely.
A move away will not go down well with many fans who continue to question the role of Holdsworth and the ability of manager Steven Pressley.
There is a feeling of discontent bubbling under the surface at Carlisle, and the club needs to sign a decent replacement if the pressure is not going to intensify.
After winning their first game, League Two results have been poor, and they need to start picking up points soon, or the future of Pressley will come under further scrutiny.
