Mathieu Manset: Carlisle United close to signing free agent

Carlisle United are close to a deal to sign French forward Mathieu Manset following his release by FC Sion, subject to international clearance.

The 23-year-old, who had a spell at Reading, left the Swiss club due to "irreconcilable differences" and has impressed in training at Carlisle.

"He's already worked hard these last few days," manager Greg Abbott told the club website.

"He has shown a fantastic attitude so far. He's a big, strong lad."

Abbott added: "If he does things right, he could put the shivers up a lot of defences."

Manset was brought to England for a spell with Hereford United, where he impressed enough to earn a move to Championship promotion hopefuls Reading in January 2011.

Operating mostly off the bench, the former Le Harve striker scored five goals in 31 outings before a loan move to Shanghai Shenhua, and joined Sion last summer.

"I feel lucky to get another chance to play English football because it's been a long time since I've played here," he said.

"English football is the best football in the world. Greg [Abbott] has given me the chance to be here and I just want to prove myself."