COLCHESTER United would like their out-of-contract players to commit themselves to the club before the squad reports for pre-season duty next week.

Tom Eastman, Jamie Harney and Femi Akinwande have all been offered fresh terms this summer but are yet to put pen to paper on new deals.

Alex Gilbey has also received a contract offer but is expected to leave the Weston Homes Community Stadium, this summer.

Colchester are hopeful of retaining the services of Eastman, who is currently their longest-serving player having made nearly 200 league and cup appearances for the club since joining them from Ipswich Town in May, 2011.

And youngsters Harney and Akinwande are also expected to put pen to paper.

But the U’s want to get things tied up in time for when the players are back for testing tomorrow week, as new first-team coach John McGreal presses ahead with his plans for the forthcoming campaign.

Colchester assistant manager Steve Ball said: “We want to have the players in place for when we come back for pre-season training.

“Offers have been made and I’m sure John and Tony (Humes) want those players to commit themselves to the football club for the first day of pre-season.

“The season finished a few weeks ago now and I don’t think that’s really too much to ask.”

Of the players offered new deals by Colchester at the end of last season, Drey Wright, Dillon Barnes and Jack Curtis have already committed their future to the club.

Meanwhile, the U’s are including George Moncur as part of their plans for the new season, despite speculation linking him with a move away from the Community Stadium.

Colchester are believed to have agreed a fee with both Barnsley and Peterborough United for the attacking midfielder but he is yet to agree personal terms with either club.

Moncur still has a year remaining on his current deal with the U’s and Ball insists they are expecting him to return for pre-season, unless told otherwise.

“At the present moment in time, George Moncur is still a Colchester United player,” said Ball.

“Until we hear otherwise, John and I will prepare for next season with George being a part of our plans.”

Ball has confirmed that Colchester are on the hunt for experienced players as part of their player recruitment drive for next season.

The likes of Joe Edwards, Gavin Massey, Darren Ambrose and Nicky Shorey have all left the U’s this summer.

Ball added: “We’re looking at an array of targets and part of that make up is a bit of experience.”