However, Carlisle-born Holt, who has also being linked with Scunthorpe, this week claimed he wanted to stay at Nottingham Forest despite reports that he would welcome a move to his hometown club.
Carlisle boss John Ward told BBC Radio Cumbria; "I'm aware of the stories
"I've said that it's not necessary because we will have Joe Garner back fit at Christmas."
And Colin Calderwood echoed his Carlisle counterpart: "Obviously speculation will arise because Grant was out on loan towards the end of last season, but everyone starts afresh now."