Aidy Boothroyd had admitted he is an admirer of Scunthorpe United central midfielder Grant McCann.

But the Colchester United manager has been quick to emphasise that the former West Ham United youngster is one of a number of players he rates in that position.

Recent speculation has linked the U's with a move for the 29-year-old Northern Ireland international.

However, boss Boothroyd is reluctant to fuel speculation linking him with a firm bid for McCann when the transfer window reopens next month.

Boothroyd said: “We are interested in a number of players.

“I do like Grant McCann - I’ve liked him for a long time.

“But he is a Scunthorpe United player and we can’t do anything about that anyway.

“I won’t be adding to any speculation but I do like him as a player, as I like a lot of central midfield players.

“We’ve got John-Joe O’Toole, Kemi Izzet, David Fox and Anthony Wordsworth, who can all play in central midfield.

“I know about him and I like him but he is one of many other players in that position."

Meanwhile, experienced defender Matt Lockwood looks set to leave the U's at the end of the season, after it was revealed he is unlikely to be offered a new deal.

The 33-year-old former Nottingham Forest defender had been on loan at Dagenham and Redbridge and has found his first-team opportunities at the U's limited this season.

Catch up on all of the latest Colchester United news in the Daily Gazette.