COLCHESTER United are trying to secure at least two further new signings - and could tie up the deals before their League Two curtain-raiser at Carlisle United on Saturday.

The U's have already brought in eight new players this summer, as they bid to challenge at the top end of the fourth tier under new head coach Hayden Mullins.

Colchester's squad has already had plenty of ins and outs but they are still trying to bolster their options.

And while several free agents have been training with the U's over pre-season, the Gazette understands the players they are trying to sign are not necessarily those trialists.

Mullins said: "We're still trying to do more business, which is good.

"We're not done yet and there are still places where we feel like we could strengthen and bring competition into that area.

"There could be a couple more new faces, which hopefully could get done.

"Whether they get done before tomorrow, I'm not too sure.

"I feel we've recruited really well and there's a couple more bodies that we really want to try and do.

"We want to make it a competitive squad and push everyone.

"We don't want anyone to be in a position where they feel they're safe."

Gazette:

Mullins says he is pleased with the player recruitment Colchester have completed, so far.

Sylvester Jasper is the latest player to sign for the U's, having joined on loan from Championship club Fulham on loan until January.

The forward joins Luke Chambers, Cole Skuse, Alan Judge, Freddie Sears, Frank Nouble, Luke Hannant and Cameron Coxe in linking up with Colchester.

Mullins said: "We've recruited some really experienced boys and some really good characters.

"It was a really good window for us I felt and it hasn't finished.

"I think those lads and the boys we have recruited can only help the younger players and help bring them on with their development and their game."