BARROW AFC have rejected a bid from Carlisle United for striker Richie Bennett.

The League Two Cumbrians have been interested in securing the services of the 26-year-old front-man since the end of last season, having been impressed with his displays at Holker Street.

Keith Curle's had previously made expressions of interest, but have now submitted a formal bid for the former Northwich Victoria man.

However, AFC operations and finance manager Andrew Casson confirmed the bid – for an undisclosed fee – had been rejected. Carlisle have been told Bennett is not for sale, with Barrow keen to keep hold of one of their most-prized assets.

Bennett, who joined Barrow from Northwich last summer, has a year left on his current Bluebirds deal. He scored 22 goals in his first campaign with the club, having moved up three divisions from the Vics, following former club-mate Jordan Williams.

AFC have sold fellow rising stars Williams and Nick Anderton – to League One sides Rochdale and Blackpool respectively – this summer, the former for the receipt of a club record fee in the region of £100,000.

But owner Paul Casson and manager Paul Cox had both previously stated no other players would leave as they look to build a side to win National League promotion – a position backed up by the rejection of Carlisle's bid for Bennett.