Last updated 12:23, Wednesday, 02 July 2008

Carlisle United owner Fred Story today dismissed claims he was planning to pocket transfer fees before selling the Blues and insisted: The money will stay with the club.

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Joe Garner

Story moved to reassure United fans after it was revealed Nottingham Forest are bidding to sign star Carlisle striker Joe Garner.

News of the approach from Forest, who are reportedly trying to tie up a £500,000 deal for the injured 20-year-old, angered Blues fans, some of whom accused Story of seeking to cash in on the club’s prized assets before selling United.

But Story said today: “I know a lot of our supporters have been dismayed by the recent speculation about the sale of Joe Garner. “It was extremely unfortunate that news of Nottingham Forest’s inquiry about Joe, which was at a very early stage, came out at the Nottingham Forest end for whatever reason.

“Joe remains a Carlisle United player, under contract to us for another two years, and we will only transfer him if it is in the best interests of the club.

“If Joe or any other player was to leave Carlisle United at any stage while I am owner, I can assure fans that the money received will remain in the club to be spent in the best way. No part of any transfer fee received by Carlisle United will go to me.”

United have already received £500,000 for goalkeeper Keiren Westwood this summer, a fee which could rise to £750,000 based on appearances and Westwood achieving promotion with Coventry. Story maintains that money will also remain with the club.

Forest went public on their interest in Garner yesterday with manager Colin Calderwood admitting he was hoping to sign the young goal ace, who is out of action until December after an operation on a cruciate knee ligament injury.

It was originally understood the newly-promoted Championship club were hopeful of signing the striker on a three-year deal yesterday. This turned out to have been premature, with Carlisle denying that a deal had been struck with Forest.

But the City Ground outfit remain serious contenders to land Garner, who cost Carlisle a club record £140,000 from Blackburn last August.

Sources in Nottingham say Forest remain confident of tying up a deal for Garner shortly.

Story is also understood to be close to selling his controlling interest in the club after four successful years at the helm at Brunton Park, with former owner John Courtenay bidding to resume control.

Story is not commenting on the details of an imminent takeover but said: “When I sell my shares in the club, it will be in a deal which I consider to be in the best interests of the future of Carlisle United FC.”