U's still keen to keep Magnus (From Gazette)

U's still keen to keep Magnus

9:00am Friday 15th June 2012 in Sport By Jonathan Waldron

John Ward has not ruled out keeping Magnus Okuonghae at Colchester United next season.

Okuonghae has been linked with a host of clubs, including Celtic, Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers.

Middlesbrough, Millwall and newly-promoted Charlton Athletic are also said to be keen on the powerful defender.

The U’s boss is still waiting to hear whether or not the defender is staying at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Okuonghae has been offered a new deal to stay at Colchester, with his present deal set to expire next month.

The centre-back is yet to commit himself to the U’s and is weighing up his options.

But Ward insisted he is not resigned to losing Okuonghae - despite the recent transfer speculation.

Ward said: “We want to keep Magnus.

“He has been made a good offer by us and I think that he has publicly said that himself.

“He said he would let me know his decision and I expect him to stick by his word.

“I haven’t heard anything to the contrary.

“I’m aware that he has been linked with one or two other clubs but I think that’s also good agent speak.”

See Friday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news.