COLCHESTER United have signed young defender Danny Collinge on a two-year contract.

The England youth international has joined the U's on a permanent basis, having featured for their under-23 side towards the end of last season.

Collinge, who has previously played for German club VfB Stuttgart in Bundesliga II, started out at MK Dons and has represented England at under-18 level.

The 21-year-old centre-back has returned to England after a five-year spell in Germany playing for VfB Stuttgart.

He came through the ranks at MK Dons before moving to Germany to broaden his football and academic education.

Collinge's move will be confirmed on July 1, subject to international clearance and the relevant paperwork being approved.

He joins fellow youngster Sammie McLeod at the U's, after the midfielder joined from Maldon and Tiptree earlier this month.