Interest in Frenchman Guy Moussi has been confirmed by the club while Colin Calderwood has also signalled deals for two strikers.
Carlisle's highly-rated youngster Joe Garner will arrive in a £500,000 deal, to be followed by veteran star Andy Cole.
"Andy still has a burning desire to be successful," Calderwood told the Nottingham Evening Post.
Garner netted 14 times for Carlisle last season.