Aidy Boothroyd is hoping Pat Baldwin's future will be resolved by this weekend.

The long-serving Colchester United defender is close to joining their Coca-Cola League One rivals Bristol Rovers.

Boothroyd said: “At the moment, it’s on-going.

“We’re talking to Bristol Rovers, Bristol Rovers are talking to Pat and talking to me.

“Everybody’s talking to each other and nothing is really happening.

“I’m hoping that it’s going to be resolved by the weekend and by the deadline."

Meanwhile, a number of clubs are said to be chasing U's striker Scott Vernon.

Vernon hit a hat-trick for Colchester in their 7-1 win over Maldon Town in the Essex Senior Cup last night.

Gillingham are leading the chase for Vernon's signature.

“Scott is not only a good player but more importantly I think, he’s a good character," said Boothroyd.

“He’s a lad that you don’t have to worry about being poisonous in the dressing room.

“He’s a terrific guy and he’s unfortunate in lots of ways that he has players in front of him who at the minute, I think can help the club more than he can.

“If he does go and I’m sure he will, wherever he goes he’ll go with our best wishes."

Meanwhile, Joel Thomas has re-joined former club Hamilton Academical on loan, until the end of the season.