The race is on to capture the signing of Colchester United’s talented midfielder, George Moncur, and that race appears to be entering the home straight.

Both Peterborough United and Barnsley are reported to have agreed to match the U’s asking price for Moncur, which is believed to be in the region of £500,000.

The Tykes were promoted to the Championship via the play-offs at the end of last season, while Posh are an established League One outfit.

Moncur still has a year left on his contract with Colchester, but as soon as the U’s relegation to League Two was confirmed towards the end of last term, it always appeared likely that the 22-year-old would be on his way out of the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Barnsley had a £400,000 offer for Moncur rejected only last week, while Posh have been tracking the ex-West Ham midfielder for several months.