Mike Williamson says Carlisle United are aiming to seal “a couple” more signings in the next 24 hours.

The head coach said the club are planning to make announcements on new faces very soon.

And while Williamson would not confirm that the strongly-linked Elliot Embleton would be one of them, he did say that it would be a “privilege” to sign such a player.

The Blues boss was speaking after the 3-2 defeat at Crewe Alexandra which left Carlisle four points adrift of safety in League Two.

Carlisle have already signed midfielder Will Patching from Derry City, and more new faces appear imminent.

Williamson said he was due to speak to sporting director Rob Clarkson about the progress of the next deals at the start of the January transfer window, and said: “In the next 24 hours, we hope to have a couple of announcements. We'll see where we go from there.”

Blackpool midfielder Embleton, in a report from Football Insider, has been strongly linked with a move to United.

Asked by the News & Star if he could comment on the speculation about the former Sunderland man, Williamson said: “He's a very good player...it would be a privilege to get a player of that quality.”

Asked further if he could confirm that 25-year-old Embleton was one of the players set to sign, Williamson said: “I'm [just] saying there's going to be a few announcements coming in the next few days.”

Mike Williamson said it would be a privilege to sign a player such as Blackpool midfielder Elliot Embleton (Image: PA)

With the prospect of more business to bolster the squad ahead of another crucial game at Tranmere Rovers this weekend, there is also the possibility of outgoing movement.

Williamson said there had been interest in members of his squad but things are less clear on when any departures could happen.

“Again, I need to speak to Rob. At the minute, there's interest. But until we really know where we're at ourselves, I won't be able to speculate,” he added.

Patching appears unlikely to be considered for the Tranmere game as he continues to work on his fitness, the former Manchester City prospect having finished the League of Ireland season in early November.

It appears an aim will be to get Patching up to speed for the visit of MK Dons on January 11.

“He's been training, but he's going to need that mini pre-season,” said Williamson.

“Physically, he's still a little bit off it. But we're hoping to integrate him as fast and as quick as we possibly can.”