John Ward wants in-form Anthony Wordsworth to stay at Colchester United.

But the U’s boss said he would not stand in the talented midfielder’s way if he eventually decided to leave to further his career.

Wordsworth has been in impressive form for Colchester this season and is the club’s leading goalscorer with nine goals.

The 23-year-old’s consistent form in League One has attracted the eye of potential suitors over recent months.

That has fuelled speculation of a bid for Wordsworth in the current transfer window.

However, Wordsworth - who is set to return to the Colchester side for their home game with Scunthorpe United tomorrow - has stated he is happy to stay.

And U’s manager Ward is keen for the former youth-team captain to remain at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Ward said: “At some stage Anthony will move on and I’d like him to move on with us, if he can.

“He has another 18 months on his contract and I’ve had that conversation with him.

“I want him to push on with us but if that doesn’t happen, I’ll have to deal with it.

“I had the situation at Cheltenham where I had the likes of Brian Wilson, Grant McCann and Kayode Odejayi push on.

“Sometimes you’re in a position where you can’t keep players and sometimes, you really owe it to the player to develop his career.

“Robbie (Cowling) is a realist and so am I and that may happen at some stage.

“But to make that happen Anthony has to play well for us and if he does that, you kind of get the best of both worlds.

“He knows he has to do well for us if he wants to do well for himself and he’s fine with that.

“He likes it here but like anyone he has ambition to improve and so he should have.”

See Friday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news, including a full preview of the U's game against Scunthorpe United.