John-Joe O'Toole is set to begin talks with another club, as his exit from Colchester United looms closer.

The tenacious midfielder has not featured in any of the U's last three pre-season friendlies, including their 3-0 defeat at the hands of Ipswich Town night.

O'Toole has been linked with the likes of Bristol Rovers, Gillingham and Southend United this summer and has found himself down the pecking order at Colchester.

And U's boss Joe Dunne admitted that the former Watford youngster is in a "positive" situation, in terms of finding a new club.

Dunne said: “JJ wasn’t here tonight and he’s in a positive situation with (another) club.

“He will speak to that club and see what comes out of it.

“He has three clubs interested in him and he has a year left on his contract.

“In the current market, he’s in a positive situation with the clubs who are after him.

“It’s about what is best for JJ.

“We have competition in that area but JJ brings quality to any team.

“It would be unfair to compare him to one or two other midfielders because he’s been asked to play in a certain way.

“I just feel that at this stage of his career, he’s in a more positive situation with those clubs.”

For all of the latest U's news, see the Daily Gazette.