For many years The Cumbrians have had to deal with jibes from rival fans about the club being Scottish, although now it would appear that manager Roddy Collins is intent on painting the Border City green.
The former Bohemians manager has proffered a bid, believed to be in excess of £100,000, for Derry City defender Darren Kelly.
The 22-year-old is touted by many as being the hottest prospect to emerge from the Emerald Isle for some years, having already represented Northern Ireland at Under-21 level.
Collins has also returned to his former club Bohemians for striker Trevor Molloy, who would come a lot cheaper than Kelly, as he tries to bolster his forward line.
News of Collins's latest attempts at landing two players from across the Irish Sea comes amidst reports suggesting that the Carlisle camp is becoming split between the players who were already at Brunton Park upon the Irishman's arrival and those that have joined since his appointment.
Meanwhile, United are also believed to be on the trail of disgraced Luton Town striker Steve Howard (pictured).
The burly former Northampton marksman has landed himself in hot water with manager Joe Kinnear after fighting with team-mates and The Cumbrians are hot favourites to rescue him from his Kenilworth Road exile.
