Abbott has seen three forwards leave the club during the summer

Carlisle United manager Greg Abbott has admitted he is struggling to add a new striker to his squad in time for the start of the new season.

Abbott saw three of his strikers, Danny Graham, Michael Bridges and Danny Carlton leave the club in the summer.

"We are looking possibly at a loan to buy us some time," Abbott told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"It's hard to prise one out of the quality we're looking for but we're trying hard to make that happen."

His current three forwards, Scott Dobie, Joe Anyinsah and Gary Madine managed just 10 goals between them last season and have all failed to score during pre-season.

I don't want to bring anyone in who's no better than what we've already got and use up the funds Greg Abbott

Abbott admitted Tuesday's 3-1 friendly defeat by Blackpool had highlighted an urgency to strengthen up front.

"It think it was the clearest indication that we need to do something before the start of the season." he said.

"But I don't want to bring anyone in who's no better than what we've already got and use up the funds.

"We want to bring in a permanent signing who will come in, excite the fans and score some goals but we are finding it difficult at the moment."

The Cumbrians must also wait for a tribunal to decide on what fee Watford must pay for Danny Graham, who moved to Vicarage Road earlier this month.

"There's no doubt that the Graham situation hasn't helped us to be fair with us not knowing how many funds we'll get for him," Abbott said.

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