Robson turned down the chance to stay at Victoria Park at the end of the season in a bid for first-team football and he quickly attracted the attention of former boss Danny Wilson, now in charge at Swindon Town.

But it appears Carlisle have now moved into pole position to capture the 24-year-old, who made 170 appearances for Pools after coming through the ranks.

Robson held talks with Carlisle boss Greg Abbott at the weekend and the left-footer could confirm his move to Brunton Park within the next two days.

Abbott said: "I spoke with Matt and his agent and they were both very positive.

"We left it at a very good point, so we would expect to have something more on that one by Tuesday or Wednesday.

"What we don't want to do is say that a deal is done because, as we have seen before, anything can happen.

"But we parted on good terms and we could have something more to say on it very early this week."