Colchester United boss, Tony Humes, wants midfielder David Fox to remain at the Essex club beyond January.

Fox’s current short-term deal – a three-month package that he signed on October 6 – is set to expire in early January, at which point he will become a free agent.

Humes is understandably concerned about the lack of experience in his squad, especially since skipper Magnus Okuonghae’s recent injury plight (out for the season with a ruptured Achilles) and 34-year-old David Wright’s departure.

Fox, 30, is now the only fit outfield player over the age of 25 in the squad.

“I have spoken to David (Fox) about lengthening his deal from January,” confirmed Humes.

“David has gone off to think about it, because his family is based up north and he’s got to think about himself.

“He’s enjoying his football, and he’s playing week in, week out.

“We would very much like David to stay, because if we lose another experienced player, then it leaves us with a really, really young squad.

“We would then have to go elsewhere to look to bring someone in with experience to replace David.

“But hopefully David will stay. Discussions will be going on, probably next week once this Sunday’s game (against Peterborough in the FA Cup ) is over and done with.

“Hopefully we will be able to get something agreed.”

Former Manchester United apprentice Fox spent one season with the U’s, under Paul Lambert, in the 2009-10 campaign following three years at Blackpool.

He left the U’s to play in the Championship with Norwich City, before returning to Colchester this Autumn via a short loan spell with Barnsley.

Fox has so far made nine appearances in central midfield for the current-day U’s, and was skipper for last Sunday’s disastrous 6-0 defeat at MK Dons.

He will again be pulling the strings in the middle of the park for this Sunday’s FA Cup second round tie against Posh.