Colchester United’s Mikael Mandron has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from the JobServe Community Stadium.

The 23-year-old striker is believed to have snubbed an offer to join League One outfit Peterborough United last month and has also been linked with the likes of Sheffield United, FC Utrecht and Lincoln City.

Mandron, who has another year remaining on his contract at Colchester, admits it is flattering to be linked with other clubs.

However, the French forward has stressed he is looking forward to lining up for the U’s again this season – and striving to help them win promotion from League Two.

Mandron told the Daily Gazette: “I’m happy to be at Colchester.

“It’s very flattering to hear stuff like that but I’m very happy to be here.

“I was very happy when I signed last year, for two years.

“I know the club and the staff really well.

“We have to learn how to work with each other as a group - it’s working really well here and I’m pleased to be here and I’m really forward to the new season.

“We have a great group and new players who have come in who will add quality and experience and we’ve also kept Luke Prosser and Ryan Jackson, who I’m really pleased decided to stay on with us.”

Mandron scored ten goals in 49 appearances in his first season for Colchester, after joining them last summer from Wigan Athletic.

The former Sunderland youngster says he is excited about the prospect of helping John McGreal’s side challenge for promotion, in the coming campaign.

“It’s nice to have the continuity of being at the same club, going into the new season,” said Mandron, who attended the Clairefontaine Academy as a youngster before joining Sunderland.

“It’s kind of different for me and I haven’t had it for a while, as you change clubs quite often.

“But when you’re at the same club, you have habits there and you go back to your mates – you know how things work.

“It feels good and I can sense straight away that the energy is great.

“Everybody’s smiling and happy to be back working together.”