DANNY Cowley says there is a chance Colchester United could add to their squad before the transfer window closes at 11pm tonight.

But the U's head coach has reiterated that there would have to be departures from his first-team squad, in order for that to potentially happen.

Colchester have already brought in 12 new signings this summer, with Aaron Donnelly becoming their latest addition on Wednesday after arriving on a season-long loan from Premier League club Nottingham Forest.

READ MORE: Aaron Donnelly relishing chance to play after U's switch

Cowley is pleased with the way his squad is shaping up, as the League Two season gathers momentum.

And the U's boss admits that unless anyone leaves the U's before 11pm, it is unlikely there will be any further new recruits arriving.

Cowley said: "You always have to keep an open mind.

"I don't see any more ins necessarily, unless there are outs.

"There are one or two that need to go to be able to get football and are in the last year of their contracts.

"It's important that in this moment, they get out and they play.

(Image: Richard Blaxall)

"We'll see how that unfolds.

"Of course, we have some brilliant young players at the club, so our phone rings on a regular basis for them.

"There's a lot of other clubs at a higher level that would like them.

"The great thing here is that it's always on our terms.

"We always think about the young player but we always think about the football club, as well."

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Cowley was pleased to secure the capture of defender Donnelly, who made his Colchester debut in their 1-0 defeat to Brentford in the Carabao Cup, on Wednesday night.

The 21-year-old has arrived on a season-long loan from Premier League side, Nottingham Forest.

"I think Aaron is a really good signing for us," said Cowley.

"He's had two loans already, at Port Vale in League One and then Dundee last year, in the Scottish Premiership.

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

"So he's had two really good experiences and I think we will benefit from those experiences.

"He's a full Northern Ireland international, which is brilliant when you consider he's only just 21.

"We just see a young player with a huge amount of talent, really good left foot, good aerially and has a long throw.

"We're delighted to have him with us and we think he'll be a brilliant signing for us and as much as he has technical ability, he's a born winner and he's got a really good mentality - he'll fit in well here."