COLCHESTER United said farewell to Dean Gerken and welcome to defender Magnus Okuonghae, on a day of feverish activity in the transfer market at the Community Stadium yesterday.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United said farewell to Dean Gerken and welcome to defender Magnus Okuonghae, on a day of feverish activity in the transfer market at the Community Stadium yesterday.

Long-standing keeper Dean Gerken, who made 119 senior appearances for the U's, has moved to Championship club Bristol City on a two-year deal, for an undisclosed fee.

That could pave the way for Carlisle United keeper Ben Williams to complete his expected move to the U's.

Gerken said: "I was thankful for my chance at Colchester and enjoyed my time at the club.

"However, a new manager (Paul Lambert) came in and has a different view on how we wanted to take the club forward."

Gerken, 24, came up through the youth ranks at Layer Road before signing professional forms five years ago.

Meanwhile, Nigerian centre-half Okuonghae will be unveiled today as the U's latest signing, as manager Lambert continues his mission to build a promotion-seeking squad.

The 23-year-old played in 45 of Dagenham & Redbridge's 46 league games last season, and was voted as player-of-the-season by Daggers supporters.

Okuonghae joins midfielder David Fox and defender Lee Beevers as this summer's new faces at United. In addition, centre-half Pat Baldwin also revealed to the EADT yesterday that he will sign a new deal to keep him at the club.

The U's are also set to sign a new striker before pre-season games begin.