Northampton Town's Republic of Ireland international Dave Savage is the latest target for Colchester United boss Steve Whitton.

With talks already lined up next week with out-of-contract Port Vale midfielder Tommy Widdrington, Whitton revealed on Thursday he has also set up a meeting with Savage's agent.

The U's chief said: "The player is a free agent and the kind of hard-working central midfielder I am looking for.

"Those fans who watched our away game at Northampton last season will remember it was Savage who ran us ragged and was instrumental in our two-goal defeat.

"I am hoping to speak to him next week."

Savage, who celebrates his 28th birthday on Saturday, has five full international and five Under-21 caps to his credit and is a friend of the U's former Cobblers keeper Andy Woodman.

Snapped up by Northampton from Millwall for £100,000 three years ago, Savage started his footballing career for Kilkenny in the League of Ireland before moving on to Brighton in 1991 and then to The Den for £15,000 three years later.

Meanwhile, U's defender Joe Keith is reported to have turned down the terms of his new deal and will operate on a monthly basis when the players report back to Layer Road on Monday for pre-season training.

Whitton would only say: "I've heard that is the case, but Joe hasn't got back to me and I'm not very happy about it. We sent out the necessary correspondence to the players and they have until a certain day to respond in writing.

"Joe is one of those who haven't done that. Because he is still under 24 he cannot just walk away a free agent from the club.

"Although he is now off the transfer list, no other club came in for him when he asked to go on it."

U's chief executive Marie Partner confirmed Keith will be starting next season on a monthly contract.

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