COLCHESTER United are looking to bring in another forward ahead of the new League Two season.

The U's have already added Frank Nouble and Freddie Sears to their squad this summer, in readiness for the 2021-22 campaign.

Colchester were hoping to re-sign Michael Folivi, who played his part in helping the club stay up last season and scored twice in their final five games.

Folivi was due to return and passed a medical at the U's but unfortunately suffered an Achilles injury, just before he was about to sign a contract.

And with the striker's period of recovery time uncertain at this stage, Colchester to step up their search for alternatives ahead of the new season.

Colchester head coach Hayden Mullins said: “We’ll have to have a look in that area now.

“We’ll have a look at an attacking player and see what we can do and who we can add to the squad who’ll bring similar qualities that Michael has."

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Folivi had been all set to sign a new contract with Colchester having played his part in helping them stay in League Two, last season.

But the 23-year-old suffered an Achilles tendon injury while taking part in pre-season running, a day before he was due to put pen to paper on a deal at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Folivi has since undergone surgery for the ailment and is now set to be on the sidelines for several weeks, much to Mullins' disappointment.

“Mike had a fantastic end to last season," said Mullins, who is preparing for his first season as Colchester's permanent boss.

“It’s disappointing that we couldn’t add Michael to the list of players we’ve signed.

“We don’t know how long Mike is out for; that’s the problem at this stage.

“He’s damaged his Achilles so we’re not too sure what he’s looking at, in terms of his rehab.

“It’s a tough one for him and it’ll be a long time but the door is still open for Mike.

“We’ve spoken to Mike and said ‘listen, get yourself sorted and hopefully, we’ll see you at some point when you’re back in training' and we can get him in and have a really good look at him.

“But it’s a tough one for players who pick up injuries, in the off season.

“People are looking for contracts and bits and pieces and Michael was one that we got as far as doing the medical with.

“He passed his medical and it was a shame."