Colchester United have discussed with Jabo Ibehre the possibility of him severing his ties with the club.

But boss Tony Humes has stressed the powerful striker remains a U’s player and remains available for selection.

Ibehre has not played for Colchester since Humes’ appointment last September, after telling the U’s boss he wanted to quit the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The 32-year-old returned from a three-month loan spell at Oldham Athletic and is available for loan when the window reopens next week.

Humes said: “Jabo is still available to go out on loan to the right club and the right deal.

“He’s trained a couple of times this week with the first team and that’s where he is.

“There’s been talk of a similar thing to Craig Eastmond (being released by mutual consent) but nothing’s happened.

“We need players here who want to play for the football club and that’s what it comes down to.

“Whatever age or experience, they need to buy into the football club and how we’re going forward.

“He’s a Colchester United player and if we need him, he’ll be selected.

“The hard thing is that you can only put 11 players out every week and you have to do what’s right for the football club.

“If somebody who hasn’t played for a long time comes in and plays, then that’s how it is.”

For a three page preview of the U's game with Crewe, see Friday's Daily Gazette.