Colchester United boss Joe Dunne has confirmed that the U’s have offered keeper Sam Walker a permanent contract.

Walker has impressed during his loan stay from Chelsea this campaign, as he did last season, but his current deal expires after next Saturday’s trip to Carlisle.

The 22-year-old is a highly-rated keeper, who has certainly caught the eye on the League One stage, so it is a big ask for the U’s to secure him on a permanent deal.

But Dunne remains upbeat about the U’s chances of capturing the giant custodian.

“It’s not a loan extension. It would be a permanent deal, that’s what we have offered,” confirmed Dunne.

“We feel we are in a very positive position.

“We have done all we can, between myself, Robbie (Cowling) and the goalkeeping coach.

“I don’t think there is anything more we can do, it’s down to Sam now.

“There’s a possibility of it happening, it’s there.

“It’s what happens now with Sam, Sam’s agent and with Chelsea.

“He’s been great for us. He has one more game to go, so he hasn’t gone yet.

“Next week is another week, and we will see what happens,” added Dunne.