Colchester United looking to replace striker Luke Norris

The U's are actively looking to bolster their fire power, following the striker's departure to Stevenage on Tuesday.

Colchester boss Steve Ball says the club have 'targets' in place to boost their fire power, during this month's transfer window.

And he revealed they are regularly in talks with players, agents and clubs about bringing in new signings, to the JobServe Community Stadium.

Ball said: "There's very much scope for us to bring someone in to replace Luke.

"There's a process in place where when we know that people might be leaving or there are potential sales of players, we've got things in place ready to go and that's something which our team have worked hard on, to have that in place to act.

"We're at that moment now to make the right choice and we have obviously have targets we want to have a look at.

"We will do that, as we move through the window.

"There are discussions taking place right now and that's happening every day with clubs, agents and the players themselves.

"Those things are moving and once it's agreed and we can press the button on it, then I'm sure we will.

"I'm sure there are many clubs in the same position as us whereby people who were on good contracts maybe two or three years ago just can't sustain that.

"I think the climate of the world is like that now, as we showed in the summer with players that moved on.

"That's where we were in this situation here so we have to be careful with our money and if we do act, we'll hopefully do it with the right choice."

Meanwhile, U's boss Ball admits Norris's departure to Stevenage was a move that suited all parties.

The 27-year-old striker, who was due to be out of contract at the JobServe Community Stadium in the summer, joined Boro earlier this week on a deal for the rest of the season.

"As I've always said during this time, players will come and go," said Ball.

"We've got a lot of players out of contract, as everybody knows.

"Luke was coming up to the end of his contract and I think all parties felt that it probably would be the best for Luke's career if he moved on, to earn himself that next deal.

"We were obviously sympathetic towards that for Luke, in as far as sorting his future out.

"I think he's about to have a young family and lives locally to Stevenage, so all of that added up.

"The move for him was appealing and he goes with our best wishes.

"I've never had a problem with Luke here as a player and he's done well for the club. "But in football, players will move on from time to time."