COLCHESTER United are aiming to have at least one new signing in their squad before the end of today – but it won’t be Corey Whelan.

The U’s are busy in negotiations with several players, ahead of tomorrow night’s transfer deadline.

Colchester want to bring in at least three new signings before the transfer window shuts at 11pm.

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Colchester head coach Ben Garner said: “We’ve got players that we’re working on and we’re trying to get in.

“We’re close on a couple and we obviously want to get it done well ahead of the deadline, if we can.

Gazette:

“Some of these have been going for quite a while and it’s just a case of trying to get them over the line.

“Some are simple deals, some become more complicated.

“We’d like to have at least one in today, maybe even two and possible additions tomorrow and if see anything goes out of the door as well.

“We’re looking for good players and good characters – that’s the bottom line.

“We’re looking at players that we think can add to us.

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“We’d like a bit more experience in the squad but it hasn’t just got to be age – we’re looking at players who can do what we want in terms of how we’re going to play, can add to the dressing room and ultimately can help us win games and be successful.”

Colchester have been linked with a move for Carlisle United defender Corey Whelan.

The U’s had been keen to talk to the player earlier in the window but the former Liverpool youngster has informed them that he does not wish to relocate south.

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“Corey’s a really good player,” said Garner.

“He’s done really well for Carlisle.

“He’s a player we looked at earlier in this window but currently, he doesn’t want to relocate south.

“That’s why he didn’t become an option for us.”

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Speaking at his pre-match press conference earlier today, Carlisle boss Paul Simpson confirmed Whelan decided a potential move to the U’s was not for him, at this stage.

He said: “Nobody came to me about that. I know there was an enquiry to one of our directors asking about his personality, and then an enquiry went to his agent.

“But Corey decided it wasn’t for him. So as far as I know that’s nipped in the bud.

“Nothing ever came to me about that. This is how moves work. Corey didn’t fancy that. It’s gone as far as I’m aware."