Manchester United central defender James Chester will line up for the Cumbrians against Hibernian this afternoon (kick off 2pm) with a view to a loan deal at Brunton Park following positive talks between the two clubs over the course of the last 48 hours.

Chester, 21, was on the Red Devil's team bus heading towards St Johnstone when he first heard about the interest and had no hesitation in stepping out of the fixture to return to Manchester to get ready for the move.

Chester said: "I was told about the enquiry as we set off and I knew right away that it could give me the chance to play some first team football.

"I spoke to the staff at OId Trafford and they told me good things, so I had no hesitation in coming up here. I'm looking forward to getting on with it now."

Carlisle boss Greg Abbott said: "James comes highly recommended and his loan spells with Plymouth and Peterborough will have given him some idea of what to expect from football at this level.

"The talks were really positive so this will give all parties a chance to look at each other, and we can take it from there."

Chester has made one senior appearance for Manchester United in the Carling Cup and eight appearances in the Football League with his two previous loan spells.