THEO Robinson sparked transfer speculation after attending Colchester United's game at Birmingham City.

The former U's loanee - who has been linked with a return to the club in the current transfer window - joined Colchester's travelling support in watching the Carabao Cup first-round tie from the away end, at St Andrew's.

Robinson, who was born in Birmingham, is currently out of favour at Colchester's League Two rivals, Port Vale.

And with the U's aiming to bolster their forward options ahead of the window closing at the end of the month, his appearance at the first-round tie - which Colchester lost 1-0 to the Championship side - has fuelled rumours linking him with a return to the JobServe Community Stadium.

Robinson was clearly a popular presence among U's fans, who chanted 'Theo, Theo!' upon recognising the striker was with them in the crowd.

Robinson has a year remaining on his contract at Vale Park, having signed a two-year deal with them in August, 2020.

But the 32-year-old was transfer-listed by Vale in May, following post-season talks with manager Darrell Clarke.

Robinson finished the 2019-20 season as the U's top scorer with 12 goals, following his loan spell from Southend United.

He initially joined Colchester on loan from the Shrimpers in August, 2019.

And when that came to an end, he agreed another loan spell at the JobServe Community Stadium until the end of the season.

In total, Robinson made 34 appearances for Colchester during his time at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Colchester are the lookout for another striker, despite having already added Frank Nouble and Freddie Sears to their squad.

They were on the verge of re-signing Michael Folivi, who impressed in the final weeks of last season for the U's.

But the forward suffered an Achilles tendon injury while taking part in pre-season training and is now set for a spell on the sidelines.

And that has meant that Colchester have turned elsewhere for their attacking options.