U's contract talks are imminent (From Gazette)

U's contract talks are imminent

11:10am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Sport By Jonathan Waldron

Colchester United are set to begin formal negotiations with some of their out-of-contract stars.

But U’s chairman Robbie Cowling has stressed they will not be rushed into completing any deals.

More than a dozen Colchester players are out of contract this summer.

U’s first-team regulars Magnus Okuonghae, Matt Heath, Ben Williams and skipper Kem Izzet are among those who will see their current deals expire.

And Cowling revealed that discussions with some of the Colchester squad about their future are imminent.

Cowling said: “We will be talking to a number of players in the next few days.

“The communication at the club is good and it’s an on-going process.

“There are some we need to do now and others where we will wait a bit longer.

“But I’m patient - Colchester United has a lot to offer and there’s no need to rush any negotiations.

“We have a group of good players here.”

See Wednesday's Gazette for more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United news.