Kane Vincent-Young insists staying at Colchester United was always the outcome he wanted after finally putting pen to paper on a new contract.

The 22-year-old defender saw his previous U’s deal expire earlier this summer and missed the club’s League Two opener at Notts County, after failing to agree new terms with the club.

Vincent-Young has been the subject of interest from higher-placed clubs throughout the summer and spent a week training with Colchester’s neighbours, Ipswich Town.

However, the talented former Spurs youngster has now penned a new two-year deal to stay at the JobServe Community Stadium – and says he is delighted it is now done and dusted.

Vincent-Young told the Daily Gazette: “It went on far too long but I’m just glad to have finally got it sorted.

“This is the outcome that I always wanted and I’m delighted to sign.

“Nothing is ever simple in football – there were a lot of things going on in the background.

“There were a lot of different people involved and it took a while for everyone to get onto the same page.

“I was aware of potential interest from higher clubs and I am an ambitious player.

“But there was never any doubt in my mind about signing and I’m delighted to be staying.

“Colchester is the ideal club for me, as it is for any young player to gain their experience and hopefully progress as a player.

“It’s a very good place to be in lots of ways and I’m very happy to be a part of it.

“I’m sure the whole experience will stand me in good stead for the future.”

Vincent-Young featured in a large part of Colchester’s pre-season and despite missing their curtain-raiser at Meadow Lane, is confident he can now hit the ground running after his future was resolved.

“The good thing is that I’ve not really missed a great deal of it, other than the first game so I’m up to speed,” added the U’s reigning Young Player of the Year.

“I was really disappointed not to be available for the Notts County game but it just didn’t work out.

“I really missed the buzz of Saturday – I was following the game and the boys did really well.

“It was a really good point for us and hopefully, we can really build on that on Saturday against Port Vale.

“But I certainly don’t expect to walk straight into the team.

“I know that I will have to fight for my place, like anyone else.”