Colchester United could sign a new goalkeeper on loan next week following Chris Lewington’s exit from the club.

Lewington has departed the U’s by mutual consent and is now free to find a new club, after leaving the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

The 27-year-old managed only two appearances for Colchester after joining them from Dagenham and Redbridge in July, 2014.

He found his first-team opportunities limited by the form of Sam Walker and has now parted company with the U’s.

Colchester boss Tony Humes said: “Chris only made two appearances for us last season and we said to him it was difficult for him at his age not to be playing regular football.

“We had an agreement with him either to find another club or make a decision on what was best for his future.

“Chris has decided to leave the club and look for pastures new.

“As far as I’m aware he hasn’t got anywhere else in mind but we had to agree to that as part of what we spoke about at the end of last season.

“Chris has been great but I think it’s frustrating for a reasonably experienced keeper not to get any game time.”

Humes may now move for a new senior goalkeeper to challenge current first-choice Elliot Parish, following Lewington’s departure.

Sam Walker is set to miss the rest of the season following knee surgery, while James Bransgrove is also recovering from a long-term injury.

Colchester completed the signing of young shot-stopper Dillon Barnes on a one-year development contract, earlier this week.

But Humes says he is contemplating signing another goalkeeper when the loan window opens, next week.

“It’s a decision we have to make on whether to bring someone else more experienced or stick with what we’ve got for the minute,” said Humes.

“We’ve been talking about a striker to add to the squad and there’s still possibilities for that, as well as the goalkeeper.

“At the minute, Dillon is a goalkeeper who’s full of potential.

“He’s only 19 and you can see that he has got that potential.

“He’s done well in the under-21 games and he looks a confident boy.

“It’s something we need to look at, whether he’s ready to go in if required or do we need to look at other possibilities with a bit more experience.”