Carlisle United are in talks with a Premier League club over a possible double loan deal, assistant boss Colin West has revealed.
The Blues No2 says United have been tracking the duo for some time.
And they are now waiting to learn whether the unnamed top-flight outfit will give them the green light to join Carlisle ahead of the new campaign.
United still need to make a host of new signings to rebuild their squad after a series of close-season departures.
West suggested the loan market would be a key part of their recruitment efforts.
He said: "We have been talking to a Premier League team who are going to come back to us a bit further down the line regarding two players.
"It all depends on whether they are going to be receptive to allowing us to have them from the start of the season, or whether we get them at all.
"The players are not in their first-team - we have seen them over last season and they have done really well.
"This is the type of player we are looking at and hoping to be part of their progression."
United would either be able to strike a half-season or full-season loan for the players.
Manager Keith Curle dabbled in the loan market last season, particularly with the addition of Newcastle defender Macaulay Gillesphey, initially on a half-season deal which was then extended in January.
Later the Blues also signed Jamie Proctor and George Waring on half-season loans from Bolton and Stoke respectively.
United, who return for pre-season training next week, have yet to confirm any summer additions.
A number of deals are believed to be close, though, with activity likely to be seen once pre-season is under way.
Boss Curle is understood to be keen on ex-Bury duo Hallam Hope and Kelvin Etuhu.
United have not commented on any individual targets but have insisted they remain "positive" about their chase of new faces.
West confirmed Carlisle expected to bring in several new players but admitted it had been a more "frustrating" summer in the market than last year.
The assistant boss said their involvement in the play-offs had left the Blues two weeks behind in their recruitment plans, a period in which they lost out on some targets.