Town boss Paul Jewell believes left-back Aaron Cresswell may have been affected by the speculation that Aston Villa could make a move for him during this transfer window. The Premier League side, who yesterday completed the signing of Middlesbrough left-back Joe Bennett, made an enquiry regarding the 22-year-old former Tranmere man at the end of July.
Cresswell was at fault for Carlisle’s winning goal and was generally under par at Brunton Park on Tuesday and the Blues manager says the conjecture surrounding his future may have been affecting him: "There’s been no more on that.
"I’m not saying that’s on his mind because he’s a smashing lad and he’s a good player, but I think the speculation might have affected him a little bit, and it’s no more than speculation.
"We haven’t had an offer, we haven’t turned down any offer, so that’s all I have to tell you.”
Villa would appear unlikely to renew their interest in Cresswell having signed England U21 international Bennett from Middlesbrough for a fee reported to be £2.75 million.