Colchester United are still hopeful of adding another new player to their squad to boost their relegation battle.

U’s boss Joe Dunne wanted to sign a young player on loan, before the transfer window closed last Thursday.

In the end, the move did not materlialise but Dunne is still hoping to tie up a deal with the player, who he declined to name, when the emergency loan window opens later this week.

Dunne said: “We’re still after him and we still want to push the competition for places.

“We’ll go back in for him, when the emergency loan window opens.

“I need to get the balance right but he’ll add good competition for places in that area.

“The player who is playing there at the moment has done well and knows the club well and has lots of experience.

“I think being in a first-team environment will benefit the player we want to bring in.

“He’s a player who I think will have a good future in the game, in terms of what he brings to that position.

“He’ll give us athleticism and speed, he’s got good pace and good recovery skills.

“He’s a young player but Dan Potts is the same and he too was raw and benefited from being here.

“I want to keep people on their toes.

“The players have been great but they need to keep it going.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.