Carlisle United have been the busiest club in the summer transfer window thus far with three new additions through the door, but the club aren’t lying around and have already set their eyes on a fourth potential recruit.

The League Two side have already welcomed Will Patching, Elliot Embleton and Callum Whelan to the football club this month as they remain fixed on turning around their disappointing start to the season as quickly as they can.

Despite three midfielders already joining the side, Football League World have reported that Carlisle United have joined Crawley Town in the battle to sign MK Dons playmaker Stephen Wearne this month.

There has been no report as to whether it’s a loan or permanent move, but both clubs have eyes on the playmaker ahead of a possible move.

How would he improve Carlisle?

Currently, Carlisle United are the joint-second lowest scorers in League Two having found the back of the net just 19 times in 23 league appearances and have won just four times all season thus far.

Wearne himself has struggled for first-team minutes this season, having featured in 11 league matches without contributing to a goal or assist so far.

However, it would be a familiar face for Mike Williamson, having worked with Wearne at National League side Gateshead before he left and subsequently signed the midfielder for his next club MK Dons.

During his opening stint under Williamson in the EFL, Wearne scored six goals and provided four additional assists in 17 league matches whilst also contributing to 19 goals in 23 National League games for Gateshead.

These spells have proven that Williamson knows how to get the best out of Wearne, further suggesting that the signing could benefit Carlisle’s attack significantly.

The battle of the former Gateshead managers

Williamson’s Carlisle United are reportedly battling against Rob Elliott’s Crawley Town, with Elliott being the manager that replaced Williamson at Gateshead when he left for MK Dons.

Both managers have worked with Wearne, know his strengths and weaknesses and would already have an idea on how he would fit into their respective systems.

Crawley operate using a 3-5-1-1 system, which would suggest that Wearne would either compete for the attacking midfielder role or play as a winger.

Meanwhile, Carlisle use a 3-4-2-1 system, allowing Wearne to take up either of the two roles behind the striker which would allow him to play both wide and middle, which could be better suited to his play style.

Carlisle fans, would you like to see Wearne join the club?