By Jon Colman

Last updated 12:41, Thursday, 03 July 2008

Carlisle United manager John Ward today played down fears of a player exodus at Brunton Park by revealing he has received no inquiries about any of his star names other than Joe Garner.

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Danny Graham

Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of Garner, which has become public knowledge this week, has sparked concerns among fans that other top Blues players could also be on their way out.

Danny Livesey, David Raven, Simon Hackney and Danny Graham are among United’s prized assets and would undoubtedly attract interest if United were willing to sell.

But Ward said the telephone has not been ringing about that quartet or any other member of his squad which reported back for pre-season training at Brunton Park this morning.

“There has been no interest in any players other than Joe and I’ll be happy if it stays that way,” said Ward, who will be running the rule over at least one trialist in the first days of training.

Ward is more concerned with strengthening his squad in time for the August 9 kick-off at Bristol Rovers following the recent additions of Josh Gowling and Ben Williams on Bosman transfers.

A new striker is now a priority for the United manager who will be looking to spend some of the money the club recouped for £750,000 goalkeeper Keiren Westwood after his move to Coventry.

“I’ve got a bit of it to work with,” said Ward. “Football is a business, I understand that and I don’t go in demanding to have the money off everybody.

“There is a bit of manoeuvring to do and we will do what we can.

“If I can get a couple more faces in positions I want, I will be happy. In my experience things often happen in the last couple of weeks of pre-season.”

Midfielder Grant Smith, who is still negotiating a new one-year deal with the Blues, was expected to return for training with the rest of the squad today. He is expected to join Luke Joyce in penning new terms shortly.

Another urgent matter for Ward will be to discuss contract extensions with his other players whose current deals run out in 12 months’ time.

They include Raven, Graham, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, Peter Murphy, Chris Lumsdon, Paul Thirlwell, Danny Carlton, Jeff Smith, Chris Howarth, Darren Campion and Shaun Vipond,

“We are looking at that situation,” said Ward.

JColman@cngroup.co.uk