Carlisle United boss Greg Abbott admits he's keen to take Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger on-loan.

Chris Hughton said this week that he doesn't intend to let Ranger go until January at the earliest, but that may change after the Carling Cup clash at Chelsea this week. And Abbott will be tempted to follow up his initial enquiry.

"I have spoken to Chris about Nile," Abbott told the Sunday Sun. "I think they are looking at a Championship loan move for him but it's one that you never know. I have made Chris aware of my interest and if he was allowed to go to a League One club I'd like to think that we were near the head of the queue for him.

"All I can do is make Chris aware of my interest and that is what I have done."