Carlisle boss John Ward is refusing to reveal his transfer targets

Carlisle United manager John Ward says he wants to add two more "senior" signings to his squad before the start of the season.

Ward is closing in on a new striker but is unwilling to reveal the identity of his transfer targets.

"We've got some good young players already at this club," Ward told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"But I'm looking for some senior players to come in and to compete strongly with this squad."

Ward, whose side will spend a week in Scotland before next Saturday's friendly against Partick Thistle (19 July), could also welcome a right-back on trial.

"There isn't back-up at right-back with Paul Arnison moving on to Bradford but I have just spoken to someone," he said.

I want the competition for places to be tight and strong and I think the guys know that John Ward

"Maybe when we come back from Scotland there will be a younger guy coming in for a trial period with us, so that is something that we are looking at and trying to improve."

The Cumbrians boss has ended interest in trialist winger Dean Nicholson following Friday night's 4-0 friendly win at Kendal Town.

The 19-year-old former West Brom trainee played 45 minutes in the pre-season opener but will not be returning to Brunton Park.

"It was a really big ask to expect Dean to come in and challenge our established player," said Ward. "He has worked hard but we won't be pursuing things at this time.

"I want the competition for places to be tight and strong and I think the guys know that.

"They get on terrifically well but they all want to be at Bristol Rovers on August 9 and that means upsetting their mates, so I am interested in how they cope with this."