WE'LL fight to keep Jamie.

Colchester United have vowed to do all they can to persuade Jamie Cureton to stay at Layer Road next season, despite his shock decision to hand in a transfer request.

The 31-year-old, who was the Coca-Cola Championship's leading goalscorer last season with 23 goals, has decided his future lies away from the U's, after talks on extending his contract broke down.

But the club have rejected Cureton's request.

And Colchester manager Geraint Williams is determined to re-negotiate with the striker, who still has a year remaining on his current deal.

Williams said: "I have not spoken to Jamie this week because I have been on a course. He's enjoying the break and I am in constant touch with the players. Cureton has spoken with his his advisors and he's reached his decision "We are actually in talks to extend Jamie's contract.

"He had a fantastic season for us last year and we want to keep him."

Cureton has now made it plain that he sees his career progressing away from the U's.

"Having thought very carefully over my future, I have decided to ask for a transfer away from Colchester United," he said.