Carlisle United have accepted a bid from Cambridge United for first-choice goalkeeper Gabe Breeze, leaving them to ponder their next move – but if they were to enter the market, who could they turn to?
Rob Elliot’s side had already turned down two bids from the newly-promoted League One side, but a third offer has been confirmed to have been accepted by journalist Pete O’Rourke.
Though no figure has been reported, Breeze was entering the final 12 months of his contract at Brunton Park – suggesting the National League side had a decision to make regarding his future.
Carlisle do have back-up goalkeeper Archie Mair available, after he completed a permanent move to the club from Morecambe earlier this summer.
However, if Elliot’s side were to sign a direct replacement – who could they target?
Adam Desbois – Gateshead FC
Since Rob Elliot’s switch from Gateshead to Carlisle, we have already seen two of his former players follow him to Brunton Park – and Adam Desbois has a potentially strong chance of becoming the third.
Desbois was signed by Elliot from Slough Town earlier this year, and he went on to keep five clean sheets in 12 appearances – whilst conceding just 11 goals as they pulled off the great escape in the National League. He also averaged four saves per match – working out at a total save percentage of 81%.
The 25-year-old started for Gateshead during their 2-1 defeat against Eastleigh at the weekend, and is also in the final year of his contract at the Heed.
Whilst Debois would require a fee, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Elliot opt to re-sign another one of his former players.
Lee Burge – Free Agent
After leaving relegated League One side Northampton Town earlier this summer, Lee Burge remains a free agent and could link up with Carlisle this summer.
Burge is currently with the PFA, where he has been for the majority of pre-season in a bid to try and keep fit and feature in friendlies ahead of his next move.
The 33-year-old is a three-time promotion-winning goalkeeper in the EFL, during his stints with Coventry City & Northampton (League Two) and Sunderland (League One).
Despite being a regular feature, Breeze wasn’t a traditional experienced goalkeeper, whilst Burge would add quality and pedigree to the Blues’ back line this season.
Luke Hutchinson – Bolton Wanderers
Last season saw the National League become dominated by good loan goalkeepers – one of which was Bolton’s Luke Hutchinson, who had an impressive campaign with Altrincham.
The 23-year-old registered 43 league appearances for Altrincham last season, replacing the injured Ethan Ross and went on to keep nine clean sheets in the National League as they finished mid-table.
Following the conclusion of the campaign, Hutchinson has returned to now-Championship side Bolton Wanderers – facing an uncertain future.
With a first full season of first-team football under his belt, a bid from Carlisle could be enough to tempt Hutchinson to secure a regular number one role – being able to pick up where he left off last season.
Josh Gracey – Wolverhampton Wanderers
Should Carlisle opt to follow other clubs in the loan route, Wolves goalkeeper Josh Gracey could be a tempting option for Rob Elliot’s side.
The 18-year-old spent almost the entirety of last season on loan with National League North side AFC Telford United, impressing with eight clean sheets in 34 appearances as they narrowly missed out on the play-offs.
Gracey is a Northern Ireland U21s international despite only being 18 and has been heavily involved with Wolves’ first-team throughout pre-season, featuring in a handful of friendlies both in front of fans and behind closed doors.
Whilst the loan route poses its risks, if Carlisle wanted to spent their funds in other areas – Gracey is an ideal loan pick-up for the National League side.
Carlisle fans, what are your thoughts on these suggestions?
