Carlisle boss John Ward has offered goalkeeper Keiren Westwood the chance to pledge his long-term future to the Brunton Park club.Westwood, who still has a year left on his existing deal, has been in outstanding form this season and is currently away at a training camp with the Republic of Ireland.

Ward is now hopeful of persuading the 23-year-old to remain with the Blues as speculation regarding his future intensifies.

"I think the club will show to Keiren that we want him to stay," Ward told the Carlisle News & Star. "All positions are important but when you look at top clubs they all place an emphasis on the best goalkeeper they can get.

"We have one of the best in the league we play in and he can become a top-class keeper. If he is going to be a number two to another keeper, he has to figure out if he would benefit more from another 12 months at Carlisle.

"If other clubs are interested, we will deal with it if and when it happens, but I want to keep him longer. We've offered him an improved and extended contract and it would be a boost to everyone if he stayed."

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