Carlisle remain in the hunt for Peterborough's Chris Conn-Clarke

Carlisle United remain the frontrunners to sign Peterborough United’s Chris Conn-Clarke, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Our sources understand there are a number of National League suitors for the 23-year-old attacking midfielder, who signed a three-year deal with an option of an extra year at the club last summer. 

Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony has been touting the Northern Ireland U21 international to a number of non-league clubs in recent weeks.

The Cumbrians, who suffered back-to-back relegations, are desperate to return to the Football League at the first time of asking and they currently sit second behind Robbie Savage’s Forest Green Rovers.

Mark Hughes has admitted he is a big admirer of Conn-Clarke and it is understood the two clubs are in discussions over a deal.

York City made an approach to sign the player earlier in the season, but interest has cooled from the club.

Rovers’ boss Savage has denied rumours that the player could be heading to Gloucestershire.

Carlisle player Regan Linney, who played with Conn-Clarke at Altrincham with the pair impressing with 52 goal involvements between them, said: “Clarkie’s one of my best mates. He is literally one of my best mates.”

“It’s nothing to do with me so I can’t comment too much on it. But if he was to come to the club I would bee really grateful.”

Not Gone to Plan

The Irishman earned himself a League One move to Posh after he bagged 22 goals for Altrincham in the 2023-24 National League season, being named National League Player of the Year in the process. 

But he frustratingly struggled to make the grade at London Road and was placed on the transfer list after just one season at the club.

Conn-Clarke scored just once across 30 appearances in all competitions, with 13 of those coming from the bench, as both he and Peterborough struggled last term.