COLCHESTER United have made five new signings in the January transfer window - could striker Danny Johnson this week become the sixth?
The U's have been heavily linked with the 29-year-old forward, who today has returned to parent club Mansfield Town following the expiry of his loan at Walsall.
Johnson scored in his final game for the Saddlers at the weekend, netting in their 1-1 draw at Tranmere Rovers.
However, his next move is now unclear after his spell at the Bescot Stadium came to an end - with a number of clubs said to be vying for his signature.
In a statement, Walsall said: 'Walsall Football Club can confirm that striker Danny Johnson has returned to Mansfield Town following the expiry of his loan deal.
'The 29-year-old scored 15 goals in 30 matches during his loan spell at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.
'We remain in dialogue with Mansfield about a potential return to the club.
'We would like to thank Danny for his efforts and contributions during the first half of the campaign.'
Johnson, who played under Colchester's Head of Recruitment Ross Embleton during his time at Leyton Orient, has scored 15 goals in all competitions for Walsall this season.
⬅️ We can confirm that striker @Johnson11Danny has returned to @mansfieldtownfc following the expiry of his loan deal
— Walsall FC Official (@WFCOfficial) January 16, 2023
We remain in dialogue with Mansfield about a potential return to the club
Thank you for your efforts and contributions, Danny
👉 https://t.co/Bv5ysIuHv0 pic.twitter.com/9E5dCCy9zU
He found himself out of favour at his parent club Mansfield, where is out of contract at the end of the season.
The Stags are understood to be reluctant to allow Johnson to this month move to a potential promotion-chasing rival.
That could open the door for the likes of Colchester and Hartlepool United, who have also been linked with the former Motherwell striker's signature before the window closes.
Speaking to the Mansfield Chad newspaper last week, Stags boss Nigel Clough said: “I believe there have been some enquiries for Danny. The board are handling those.
“We do have an option to call Danny back from Sunday, so David (CEO Sharpe) and the owners will be discussing that one.
#Mansfield Town can confirm that striker Danny Johnson has returned to the club today following the expiry of his loan spell at Walsall.#Stags 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/Gmaz6PNnBM
— Mansfield Town FC (@mansfieldtownfc) January 16, 2023
“There is always a way back in for anybody and he has scored some goals.
“We always knew he would score goals at this level, that's why we brought him in.
“We just couldn't fit him into the way we were playing. Whether he would score those goals in the way we play I don't know.
“The dilemma we have is if we bring him back and play him, then he couldn't play for anybody else but Walsall if he did go somewhere before the end of the month.”
Colchester have already made five new signings in this month's transfer window.
The U's have brought in Matt Jay, Connor Hall, Arthur Read, Fiacre Kelleher and Connor Wood, in January.
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