Colchester United’s back-up keeper, Mark Cousins, is out of contract at the end of this month, which has prompted speculation that he might be moving on.

Cousins has been offered a new deal by the U’s, but the 27-year-old could decide to leave, especially as he failed to make a single first team appearance last season, due to the form of No. 1 choice Sam Walker.

Cousins, who graduated from the U’s youth team in 2004, has been linked with a switch to League Two club Dagenham & Redbridge.

It might be an appealing move – Cousins would not have to relocate, while Dagenham are believed to be on the lookout for a new keeper.

Former Daggers No. 1 Chris Lewington was released at the start of the summer. Fellow custodian Liam O’Brien has since been recruited from Brentford, but the ex-Barnet 22-year-old never made an appearance for the Griffin Park club.

Cousins has made 58 league appearances for the U’s over the last 10 years.