Carlisle manager Greg Abbott has revealed discussions have yet to begin over whether or not Michael Bridges will move to the club permanently.

The Hull striker joined the Cumbrians for the second time on a season-long loan last summer and was one of the club's better performers as they successfully battled to beat the drop.

And although Abbott is keen to talk to Hull about making the deal full-time when Bridges' contract expires this summer, he knows that the 30-year-old may also have other options.

"I expect Michael to be in demand as five or six clubs are showing an interest already," Abbott told the News and Star.

"He`s still contracted to Hull and I plan to leave it a week to 10 days before I speak to him to see what his thoughts are. He will probably move on from Hull and his agent will find out what interest there is.

"We`re keen to speak to Michael because he has made a nice contribution at the back end of the season. If we can fit him into our financial structure we would be interested but things are on hold at the moment."