COLCHESTER United are close to offering a deal to former Stoke City youngster Tomi Adeloye.

But the U’s will not be pursing their interest in trialists Olly Lee and Sherwin Grot.

Adeloye, 19, who was released by the Potters at the end of last season, has been training with Colchester.

The former Charlton Athletic academy player featured as a substitute in their 3-2 pre-season friendly win at Conference South side Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday.

And U’s boss Tony Humessaid they are interested in snapping up the teenage striker, initially for their under-21 squad.

Humes said: “We’re looking at Tomi very closely – he has got good pedigree and good calibre.

“I thought he did quite well against Bishop’s Stortford and I think he’s someone we’ll be looking to sort out something.

“We have to see if he wants to come to us – I don’t know if he has had any other offers.

“But Tomi is going to be an under-21 player looking to try to break into the first team, if he does well.

“He has good attributes and his movement is very good – he’s a big strong boy and he’s someone we’d be interested in.”

Colchester will not be extending their interest in midfielder Lee, though.

The former Birmingham City player featured in the U’s opening three friendlies but has failed to secure a permanent deal.

“Olly’s a very good player but we’re looking for players who are going to make us better and we thought he was very similar to the players we have,” said Humes, who revealed at the U’s Open Day that he will decide on who his new captain will be in the “next couple of days”.

“It’s disappointing for Olly who’s looking to get a break in the game as such but it has to be right for both parties and we just didn’t feel it was quite right for us.”

Colchester have also ended their interest in Dutch trialist Grot, who played 45 minutes against Stortford.

Humes added: “He got an opportunity to play 45 minutes but we didn’t feel he was quite right for us.”

Meanwhile, Humes said he was delighted to see so many people at the club’s Open Day yesterday.

Thousands of fans flocked to the Weston Homes Community Stadium for the popular event, which saw the U’s players sign autographs for supporters.

Humes added: “It was great to see so many people come along and the event seems to be growing every year.”