Carlisle set goalkeeper deadline

Abbott has targeted a replacement if Williams leaves

Carlisle United manager Greg Abbott says he wants a decision on Ben Williams' proposed transfer to Colchester by the end of this week.

Abbott confirmed that Carlisle would get U's striker Scott Vernon and a small fee in exchange for Williams if a deal went through.

"I've put a bit of pressure on Colchester," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"Certainly by the end of tomorrow (Friday) the deal is going to go one way or the other."

Williams opened talks with Colchester this week but attended pre-season training with Carlisle on Tuesday and Wednesday.

He's a big size, he's got presence and he will upset people. He is the type of player we've been looking for Greg Abbott on potential signing Scott Vernon

Abbott has revealed that he has been a long-term admirer of Vernon, who joined Colchester from Blackpool in 2007.

"I thought he did terrifically well for Colchester when they won 2-0 up here (last season)," he said.

"He's a big size, he's got presence and he will upset people. He is the type of player we've been looking for.

"Regardless of the Ben Williams situation, if he had become available we might have made an offer for him because he has a good record at Championship and League One level."

Abbott also confirmed that he is already well down the line in terms of a replacement for Williams should the move to Colchester go through.

"I'm waiting for a phone call today to see if our first-choice goalkeeper is available," he said.

"He wants to come, now he is just trying to do a deal with his club."