Colchester United have completed their third permanent signing of the summer after Lloyd James put pen to paper on a deal.

The former Southampton midfielder, who was released by the south coast club at the end of last season, has featured in all four of the U's pre-season friendlies to date.

And he has done enough to secure a permanent contract at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

James follows in the footsteps of Brian Wilson and Andy Bond in joining Colchester this summer.

Ben Coker has been offered a contract after impressing on trial and is likely to put pen to paper on a deal soon.

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