Ward is not going to take any financial risks this summer

Carlisle manager John Ward believes three permanent signings will be enough to strengthen his squad this summer.

Ward is also looking to make loan signings as Carlisle look to improve on last season's last-gasp League One play-off semi-final defeat by Leeds.

He told BBC Radio Cumbria: "If I can bring three in at senior level and first-team level that would strengthen the squad I'd be very pleased."

Ward is thought to want Barnsley's Carlisle-born defender Paul Reid.

Reid, who has been made available for transfer by the Tykes, spent an injury-curtailed loan spell at Brunton Park in the final month of the season.

Ward continued: "It would be unfair to talk about what areas I'm looking at. I'm looking at players who can go straight into the first team."

We've had one or two situations turned down purely on the side of finance where people are being paid extortionate wages Carlisle boss John Ward

Meanwhile, he has revealed that the club have ended their interest in several transfer targets due to wage demands outside of the club's budget structure.

"We've had one or two situations turned down purely on the side of finance where people are being paid extortionate wages.

"Carlisle must learn their lessons. They have been in administration in recent years so I think it's right that it is run on a business sense and, as the manager, I think that it's my responsibility to make sure that there is a very good level of league football in Carlisle for many years to come."