Colchester United boss, Tony Humes, has revealed that he is hoping to sign a new centre-half when the loan window reopens next week.

The U’s have a lack of back-up in central defence, due to long-term injuries to Magnus Okuonghae and Frankie Kent, plus Kaspars Gorkss’ departure last week to join Greek side Ergotelis.

“I think we are still looking to possibly bring in another centre-half,” confirmed Humes.

“With Frankie Kent still being a little way away, it would be nice to have another centre-half, especially if anything should happen to Alex Wynter or Tom Eastman.

“That is one of our priorities, going into the loan window next week, to see if we can bring in someone with a little bit of experience in there.

“But the way that Tom and Alex performed last weekend at Bradford was excellent.

“They showed composure and good defensive responsibilities, as a whole back four.

“The two centre-halves were very good.

“But I think we need an experience centre-half, because there is always a possibility that one of them (Eastman or Wynter) could pick up a niggle, which would put us back and leave us looking at younger players who might not have the experience with some of the games coming up over the next three months.

“I’m looking at either free agents or loans. I will just see who is available, and who is the right personality to come in.

“There are certainly those kind of players out there.

“And I do have a couple of targets in mind,” added Humes.

Eastman and Wynter are set to resume their new centre-half partnership against Crewe tomorrow, with left-back Matt Briggs also able to fill that role, if required.