Freddie Sears has revealed that he could stay at Colchester United, beyond this season.

Sears’ current contract expires next summer, and there is talk of the former West Ham attacker being sold when the transfer window re-opens in the new year, to avoid the scenario of him leaving on a free transfer in the close-season.

U’s leading scorer Sears has been offered a new deal by the Essex club, and manager Tony Humes not surprisingly wants the 25-year-old to stay.

But as yet, talks between the player and the club have stalled.

Sears explained the current situation, with regards his long-term future, after yesterday afternoon’s goalless draw at Crawley Town, during which he struck the woodwork twice.

“I’m under contract for the rest of the season, and I’m in talks with the chairman (Robbie Cowling) all the time,” said Sears.

“Nothing is really happening at the minute, if I’m honest, but I love it here and I’m happy to be at Colchester.

“So I don’t see why I won’t be here. There’s always a possibility that I might sign to stay here. The chairman is pretty close to my agent and there are always talks behind the scenes.

“It’s not as easy as what is made out sometimes.

“I’m happy at Colchester and if I stay here I’ll be happier.”

Although Sears did not add to his 12-goal tally for the season at Crawley, he did come very close after striking the bar in the first half and then clipping the inside of the post early in the second period.

“I just wanted to get on the ball, to play and to score,” insisted Sears.

“Sometimes you get frustrated when it’s 0-0 and you need a goal and it’s hard, but we are still digging in there as a team.

“I thought our midfield were brilliant today, as were the defence, and we kept a clean-sheet, which was probably the most important thing.

“It’s just disappointing for the attackers that we could not reward them with the three points.”