Holt is keen to stay at the City Ground (Getty)

Carlisle United manager John Ward has played down speculation linking the club with striker Grant Holt.

Carlisle-born Holt this week claimed he wanted to stay at Nottingham Forest despite reports that he would welcome a move to his hometown club.

"I'm aware of the stories surrounding Grant but I've batted them away," Ward told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"I've said that it's not necessary because we will have Joe Garner back fit at Christmas."

The 27-year-old Holt scored just three times last season but Forest manager Colin Calderwood has indicated that he may still have a future at the City Ground despite the arrival of �2.65m signing Robert Earnshaw.

However, Ward has not ruled out the option of bringing in a forward on loan until Garner returns from his cruciate knee ligament injury.

"We've got Danny Graham who scored 16 goals, we've got Scott Dobie and young Gary Madine coming through as well," Ward said.

"I also think there's something from Danny Carlton yet to see, so we have options, but it's not something I'm going to rule out."