Steve Whitton has moved to bring York City target man and former Southend United striker Barry Conlon to Colchester United.

The U's boss has spoken to the struggling Nationwide League Third Division club about signing the out-of-favour striker either on loan or on a permanent basis.

Conlon, who was signed from the U's Essex neighbours Southend United for £100,000 last summer, has failed to deliver under new York City manager Terry Dolan.

Whitton had the 22-year-old watched at a reserve match last week and noted that Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Conlon plays in a similar style to injured Reading loanee Keith Scott.

Scott, who has boosted the U's with his physical presence, was on Friday due to find out the results of a scan on a knee injury sustained at last weekend's game at Peterborough.

Whitton said: "I've spoken to York about Barry Conlon and we'll be talking again next week. I'm hoping Keith will only be out for a couple of weeks but we have to prepare ourselves that it could be worse.

"Keith has been playing well for us and we've really benefitted from having a target man. Often, we've had two little fellows up front and it's not really worked."

Whitton is continuing his interest in strikers by taking Gary Haylock on trial from Irish club Shelbourne. The 25-year-old goalscorer is currently on loan at Glenavon.

He added: "I've heard a lot of good things about him from my scouts in Ireland so I'm looking forward to seeing him play for myself."

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