Colchester United look set to miss out on the permanent signing of experienced defender Bongani Khumalo.

The South Africa international played a big part in helping the U’s stay in League One, after joining them on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in March.

Colchester lost only two of the ten games in which Khumalo featured for them, in the final weeks of this season.

And the U’s are keen to bring the centre-back back to the Weston Homes Community Stadium on a permanent basis, particularly after the departure of captain Magnus Okuonghae earlier this month.

But Khumalo, who is set to be a free agent with his contract at Spurs ending this summer, is believed to be considering a number of options away from English football.

Colchester boss Tony Humes said: “It’s unlikely that we’re going to be able to bring Bongani back here, as he’s got options abroad.

“You have to pay credit to him – he came in and done terrifically well in the back four.

“He’s a good character and was a very calming influence on the players around him, with his experience.

“He shored us up and he’s a proper defender and a leader.”

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