COLCHESTER United are close to announcing two new signings – with more set to follow.

U’s head coach Ben Garner wants to strengthen three positions in his squad, in the summer transfer window.

Colchester are hoping to tie up at least one new signing within the next 24 to 48 hours, as they build up for the new League Two season.

READ MORE: Ben Garner wants Colchester United to 'hit the ground running'

Garner said: “There’s three positions that we still want to strengthen and want to add to.

Gazette:

“We’re close on one or two – I would hope to have a couple of arrivals imminently.

“We’ve been patient with them and we’re getting closer and closer and hopefully, we can get them over the line.

“We are close but I don’t think anyone will be in to be available for Saturday, unless things move really quickly now.

READ MORE: U's academy product Noah Chilvers is 'inspiration' for club's youngsters

“But it might be that we’ve got players done and signed and ready to go, for next week.

“We’ve been very patient on the players that we want, making sure that we get our primary targets and the right people and we’re edging closer on one or two of those and we still want to add further as well, moving forward.”

Gazette:

Colchester have already brought in five new players, in the current transfer window.

Tom Smith, Owen Goodman, Ellis Iandolo, Nico Lawrence and Mauro Bandeira have all been brought in but the U’s want to further strengthen.

“It’s a long season,” said Garner.

READ MORE: Former U's winger Luke Hannant seals move to National League club

“We’re not just recruiting for this first couple of games.

“It’s a long season with lots of games, with the changes in the rules now I think they’re going to be closer to 100-minute games than 90-minute games, so we have to factor that in.

“I think the five subs in each game is going to be really important, this season.”

Gazette: Junior Tchamadeu

Meanwhile, Colchester say Junior Tchamadeu is preparing for the new season with them.

The talented 19-year-old has been strongly linked with a move away from the JobServe Community Stadium this summer but as yet, no deal has been agreed.

Garner added: “As things stand, Junior is part of the squad and ready for the new season.

“We’ve just carried on as normal with Junior.

“It’s important that we keep developing him and helping him to improve.

“He’s an important part of our squad at the moment.

“So unless I’m told otherwise, I’ll keep working as hard as I can with him every day and making sure that we’re pushing Junior as much as we possibly can.”