Colchester United are interested in bringing Barnsley striker Elliot Lee back to the club for a third loan spell.

The U's are keen to add attacking options to their squad for the second half of the season.

And the Daily Gazette understands they have made contact with Barnsley about bringing the former West Ham United youngster back to the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Colchester head coach John McGreal worked with Lee last season during his second loan spell at the club and is a big admirer of the forward.

Lee joined Championship side Barnsley last summer, following his departure from West Ham.

But the 22-year-old has made only three appearances for the Reds and is set for a move away from Oakwell, during this month's transfer window.

U's boss McGreal has made no secret of the fact that he would like to add to his forward options this month, as his in-form side make a push for promotion in the second half of the season.

McGreal said: "We've highlighted that we might be looking for a centre-forward.

"We'll see what's happening with the two loanees that we've got (Tarique Fosu and Glen Kamara).

"We'll definitely have one or two irons in the fire and just see where we go with that, whether it's earlier or later."

Lee was an impressive performer in the second half of last season for Colchester, after joining them on loan from West Ham last January.

He made 15 appearances under Kevin Keen, scoring twice.

Lee first joined Colchester on loan in the 2013-14 season, making four appearances and scoring once.