Striker set to sign for United
French-born centre forward Mathieu Manset is set to sign for Carlisle United on a short-term deal which will keep him at Brunton Park until the end of the season following a brief trial spell with the Cumbrians this week.Manset, 23, has been a free agent since his release from Swiss side FC Sion in January this year and had trial spells with Blackpool, Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday on his return to England.
The big striker started his career with Le Havre AC but moved across the channel to sign for Hereford United in 2009. He scored ten goals in 50 appearances for the Bulls and was snapped up by Reading as he earned interest from a number of clubs.
Five goals in 29 appearances followed for The Royals but he accepted a surprise loan move to Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Shenhua at the end of the 2010/11 campaign.
Manager Greg Abbott said: "From what we are hearing he has been unlucky not to get a deal so far as it's a difficult stage of the season for things to be sorted out.
"Blackpool were very impressed with him and I've had a conversation with some of their staff.
"He has a bit of work to do match fitness wise but he's big, strong and he has done well with us in the training sessions.
"This is a chance for him to show everyone that he's ready to go on again after what has been a frustrating period on a personal and football level. Hopefully he'll make an impact and we can take it from there."
This transfer remains subject to the completion of all mandatory paperwork.
