COLCHESTER United were today on the verge of signing left-sided specialist Daniel Fox from League One club Walsall.Fox looks set to become the third new signing for the U's this month, following the arrival of fellow defenders Chris Coyne (from Luton) and Phil Ifil (from Tottenham) last Thursday.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United were today on the verge of signing left-sided specialist Daniel Fox from League One club Walsall.

Fox looks set to become the third new signing for the U's this month, following the arrival of fellow defenders Chris Coyne (from Luton) and Phil Ifil (from Tottenham) last Thursday.

The highly-rated Fox, who can operate as a left-back or left-midfielder, was a notable absentee from the Walsall side that drew 2-2 against Swindon Town on Saturday, so fuelling speculation about his imminent arrival at Layer Road.

U's Chief Executive Marie Partner confirmed: “We had a firm bid accepted on Saturday morning by Walsall for Daniel Fox. Further discussions will now take place after official permission by Walsall was given to talk to the player.”

Fox, 21, is a former Everton trainee who has played more than 100 games for the Saddlers since his move to the Bescot Stadium during the summer of 2005.

Meanwhile, Kevin Lisbie was furious that referee Grant Hegley did not award him a last-gasp penalty in a pulsating 1-1 Championship encounter at Bristol City on Saturday.

The ex-Charlton striker was clearly impeded by City defender Tamas Vasko inside the box, in the fifth and last minute of injury-time.

“I can't believe that the referee has not given it. I got goal-side of the defender when I was brought down,” insisted Lisbie, who has now scored nine times this season. “Even a nudge, in those circumstances, would have meant a penalty. I was through on goal, and was ready to score.

“I've now got nine for the season, and I feel on fire. The two new lads (Chris Coyne and Phil Ifil) also gave the team a lift. It was a good team performance against a top-of-the-table side. We have to keep it going.”

However, club skipper Karl Duguid did not even travel with the squad, fuelling speculation that he could be poised to leave the club.