Colchester United boss Steve Whitton has revealed that former Layer Road favourite Scott McGleish is among his new targets.

Whitton said the Barnet goal-getter - currently out of favour at the promotion chasing Third Division club - has already been watched in his quest to sign a new striker.

And as the U's boss prepares his squad for tomorrow's home game with Notts County he has been forced to look elsewhere after his bids to sign Reading target man Keith Scott and League of Ireland striker Garry Haylock have both fallen through during the past few days.

McGleish was a huge hit with the Layer Road fans during a successful loan spell from Peterborough as the U's just missed out on promotion when losing to Plymouth Argyle in the Division Three play-off semi-finals four years ago.

Whitton said: "McGleish is one of several players we are looking at. We and Keith Scott are a long away apart. There is a budget at this club and I am not prepared to break it.

"Look at the problems the club got itself into last season when it did exactly that."

Whitton added: "It has been a week of total frustration for me, but I am not prepared to pay any player three times more than other players at this club.

"I am disappointed and I know the loyal fans are as well, but we cannot pay First or Second Division wages on gates of 3,500 every week.

"The club is losing money every week and the £2.25 million we received for Lomana Tresor Lua Lua will not go very far."

It is no secret the U's lost around £450,000 for last season and another hefty loss could be on the cards again this term.

And with current home gates hovering around the 3,500 mark Whitton said: "We need more fans coming through the gates simply to break even every week.

"Where are all those fans who wanted promotion from Division Three and where are all those fans who were at Wembley to watch us?"

On a brighter note, the U's look set to escape an FA fine following the mini-brawl between players from both sides after Tony Lock's sending off in last Saturday's goalless draw with Wycombe.

However, they are likely to be without tonsillitis victim Steve McGavin and Gavin Johnson against Notts County tomorrow (Saturday).

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