COLCHESTER United have signed former West Ham United youngster Ossama Ashley.
Ashley, who has been on trial with the U's and has featured in their last three friendlies, has penned a deal at the JobServe Community Stadium.
The 22-year-old has penned a deal until at least the summer of 2023.
He becomes Colchester's fourth summer signing, following the arrival of Alex Newby, Sam Hornby and Emyr Huws earlier in the window.
Ashley initially started out in Fulham's youth set-up before switching to AFC Wimbledon's academy, in 2017.
The 22-year-old made his senior debut for the Dons in their EFL Trophy defeat at Yeovil Town in December, 2017.
Ashley had a spell on loan at National League South club Billericay Town.
But after failing to make any further first-team appearances for the London club, he was released in the summer of 2020 at the expiry of his contract.
Ashley signed a one-year deal with West Ham after impressing on trial.
His only competitive appearance for the Hammers came for their under-21s in their 1-0 defeat at Colchester in the Papa John's Trophy, last September.
Ashley left West Ham earlier this summer and has now linked up with the U's.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here