COLCHESTER United target Jacob Murphy says he wants to remain in Norwich City’s first-team plans for the new season.

The 20-year-old winger has featured in all three of the Canaries’ pre-season friendlies so far and has linked up with the Premier League new boys at their pre-season training camp, in Germany.

Murphy made 11 appearances on loan at Colchester in the final weeks of last season, scoring four times and playing a big part in helping them stay in League One.

And those performances have helped the youngster force his way into Alex Neil’s plans for the new season.

Murphy told the Norwich City website: “That loan period for me was vital for my development.

“I think a lot of people here can see that. I’m thankful to Colchester and it’s just about kicking on with Norwich now.

“I want to stay around the first-team and hopefully push to get more involved with the squad.

“I’ll just keep taking it a day at a time and try to show what I’ve got.”

Colchester have publicly declared their interest in re-signing Murphy on loan this season, following the impact he made for them last season.

But U’s boss Tony Humes has reiterated that the final decision on where the winger plays his football this season lies with Norwich.

Humes said: “Jacob Murphy is a Norwich City player and what they do is up to them.

“He’s a very talented young player but it’s dependant on what Norwich feel is his next progression.

“We have to wait and see where their next pitch is.

“But we are interested in him and he’s the sort of player we’re looking for.

“We hope what he did for us last season will have a bit of a sway towards us.

“But should he decide to move elsewhere on loan, we will wish him good luck.”