Mark Hughes says Carlisle United are looking at a free agent signing that can add “physicality” to the side.

The Blues are looking at an unattached player with a view to bolstering their squad.

And new head coach Hughes confirmed the unnamed player would hopefully give United extra physical strength.

“We might do something,” Hughes told the News & Star.

“We probably lack a little bit of physicality, so we'll have to address a little bit of that.

“There might be something happening.”

United have not commented on the identity of potential targets, although one name on supporters’ lips recently has been the former MK Dons forward Matt Dennis.

He is a free agent after leaving Stadium MK by mutual consent on transfer deadline day.

Dennis, 22, was on Arsenal’s academy books before spells with Norwich City and MK Dons, as well as loan stints with Southend United, Sutton United and Rochdale.

Blues sporting director Rob Clarkson said last Friday that there was the potential for a free agent addition.

In a club interview Clarkson said: “There is potentially one who could come in as a free agent and help us from now until the end of the season.

• Carlisle United fans have their say on Grimsby defeat

“So we are looking, but just one.” United made 11 signings during the January transfer window before the sacking of Mike Williamson.

Hughes, meanwhile, explained his change in formation for his first game in charge at Grimsby Town.

Mark Hughes salutes the travelling Blues fans at Grimsby (Image: Richard Parkes)

The experienced new head coach sent United out in a 4-2-3-1 system – a change from Williamson’s favoured 3-4-2-1.

Asked about reverting to a back four, Hughes said: “I’m not wedded to any one system, I've played every system that's out there during my career.

“I just looked at the group and what they needed. I felt they needed to change just because they've been playing in a certain way and that hadn't been a positive thing for them.

“So changing the formation, I think, helped the confidence that they could go out there and try and make something else happen, so up to a point it worked.”

United follow Saturday’s 2-1 defeat with Tuesday’s rearranged trip to Newport County as Carlisle desperately seek a result that can kickstart their survival push.

The loss at Blundell Park was a sixth in seven games, United remaining five points from safety at the foot of the table.

Hughes has spoken of his gratitude for the welcome he has received since his appointment was confirmed last Thursday – and the embrace of Carlisle’s travelling fans at Grimsby.

“It’s been great, and I thought the fans [on Saturday] were fantastic,” he said.

“They were really strong and every one of them was with us.

“We sensed that and wanted to get something positive for everybody, but it wasn't to be.

“But we'll be striving to do that on Tuesday – no doubt many of them will travel huge distances once again, and it would be great to reward them for their support.”

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