Colchester United have completed a busy loan transfer deadline day by snapping up two new players, winger Blair Turgott and defender Ben Tozer.

Turgott has signed from West Ham on a 28-day youth loan, and will be eligible for Saturday’s trip to Tranmere Rovers.

He is the second player to make the short move from Upton Park to the Community Stadium, following in the footsteps of striker Elliot Lee.

Turgott will also team up with two ex-West Ham players, in Freddie Sears and Dominic Vose, although leading scorer Sears is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, utility player Tozer has signed on a month’s loan from League Two basement club Northampton Town, who are managed by ex-U’s boss Aidy Boothroyd. He will be in the U’s squad at Prenton Park.

Tozer has bags of experience, having played more than 150 games for the Cobblers. He can operate anywhere along the back four, and also in central midfield.

Magnus Okuonghae and Tom Eastman are the only fit centre-halves, so Tozer offers valuable back-up, especially as Okuonghae is just one booking away from a suspension.