Norwich City look set to have won the race to claim the signing of Colchester United full-back Marc Tierney.

The 25-year-old left-sided defender will join the Norfolk club after they agreed a fee with the U's that will take him to Carrow Road in a two-and-a-half year deal.

The completion of the deal will come as little surprise after weeks of speculation about the Bury-born player's future.

He had declined the offer of a new contract to stay at the Weston Homes Community Stadium and Norwich and fellow Championship side Coventry City were both believed to be in the running to sign him.

And earlier this week, Colchester manager John Ward had completed the signing of 23-year-old Irish left-back Conor Powell on an 18-month deal.

It appears that Tierney has now opted to link up with former U's boss Paul Lambert, the man who signed him for Colchester from Shrewsbury.

The Canaries manager said: "He's a top lad.

"He was great for me at Colchester and his attitude and desire forthe game are top class."

Tierney initially joined Colchester on a loan deal in November 2008, before signing permanently five weeks later.

His committed and energetic style of play endeared him to U's fans in more than 80 appearances for the club and he scored one goal in a 1-0 win against Stockport in February 2009.