Ben Wyatt has signed a one-year professional deal with Colchester United.

The 20-year-old former Ipswich Town and Norwich City youngster has linked up with the U’s, after impressing for MALDON AND TIPTREE in Ryman League division north this season.

Wyatt follows striker Femi Akinwande in joining Colchester after impressing for the Jammers, as part of their link-up with the League One side.

The left-back was part of Norwich’s FA Youth Cup-winning side in 2012/13 and trained with England under-18s, two years ago.

Wyatt spent eight years with Norwich’s academy, before joining Ipswich on a year’s professional contract.

After leaving Portman Road, he joined Maldon last year as part of the U’s link-up.

He picked up a hat-trick of trophies at the Jammers’ recent end of season awards, picking up the Supporters’ Player of the Year, Manager’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards.

Colchester assistant manager Steve Ball, who managed Wyatt during his time as Maldon boss this season, said he expects the young defender to strive for a first-team place, in the 2016-17 campaign.

Ball said: “The Maldon project means that Ben has experienced a year of playing against strong, athletic players, so he's had a good grounding before coming here.

“When he comes back in the summer, he’ll start with the U21s to get him used to the pace of the game compared to that at Maldon but, after a few months, I’m sure he will be looking to get involved with John (McGreal) and the first team.”