CARLISLE United manager Paul Simpson admitted “there hasn’t been a conversation yet” over an unlikely Dynel Simeu loan return to the Cumbrian outfit.

The 20-year-old Southampton-born defender became a fan-favourite at Brunton Park despite only joining on loan in January, with the League Two side sliding towards relegation.

Simeu, who arrived at Saints from Chelsea last summer, played 18 times and survived a managerial change to help steer his loan club to Football League safety.

Carlisle fans have called for the physical defender to return, while Simpson has told the Daily Echo in detail just how much he admires Simeu.

However, the Daily Echo understands that a return to League Two is not considered an option for Simeu with a progressive loan targeted this season.

Daily Echo: Dynel Simeu made Ralph Hasenhuttl's squad in the Premier League and FA Cup (Pic: Stuart Martin)Dynel Simeu made Ralph Hasenhuttl's squad in the Premier League and FA Cup (Pic: Stuart Martin)

Simeu will return to Saints with the first-team for pre-season training this week, with the hope of going away with the squad for the Austria camp in July – but that list has not yet been confirmed.

A loan for Simeu is expected to materialise mid-to-late summer, with a Championship or League One move targeted in order to move on the youngster’s career.

Despite this, Simpson, speaking to BBC Radio Cumbria, insisted it is possible but not in motion for Simeu to return.

“There’s a possibility, but it’s not something we’re discussing at the moment,” he said. “I think Southampton will be looking to get him out on loan.

Daily Echo: Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson (Pic: PA)Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson (Pic: PA)

“But being honest I haven’t had a conversation about it, we just have to wait and see what comes over the next few weeks.

“I think the way Premier League clubs work is they like to have the players around training for the first few weeks, and then they’ll reassess it and see what goes from there. Maybe at some point there will be a conversation but it hasn’t happened yet.”

Simeu’s spell at Carlisle was his first in senior football, after winning the under-18 English Youth League with Chelsea and impressing in Premier League 2 with Saints.

Fellow B team star Kazeem Olaigbe, 19, has gone on loan to Scottish Premiership Ross County, as first reported by the Daily Echo.

Thierry Small, 17, could also follow his teammates out the door on loan spells to gain valuable first senior experience. All three have represented their country at youth level.

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