IAN Henderson only has thoughts on securing a new deal at Colchester United.

The versatile midfielder is out-of-contract next summer and, following an impressive start to the campaign, has been linked with Championship clubs Norwich and Reading in the national media.

There appears to be little substance to those rumours though with the aforementioned clubs the obvious ones to be linked due to the fact Henderson started his career at the Canaries and because the U’s have already signalled an interest in keeping Royals loanee David Mooney past the end of the month.

Even if there was any truth in the above, Henderson – who would be free to talk to any potential suitors in January – has blown any speculation out of the water by stating his loyalty to the Essex club that threw him a lifeline at the start of this year.

“As a footballer you do have to look out for yourself because it’s a difficult industry and when your contract is heading towards its end you don’t always know where you’re going to be come July,” said the 25-year-old, whose passionate performances have made him popular amongst the U’s support following his arrival on a free transfer in January.

“I’ve said it many times before though that I love the area and I love playing for Colchester United.”

Henderson arrived at the Weston Homes Community Stadium at the start of the year after calling then U’s boss Aidy Boothroyd (his former youth team coach at Norwich) and asking for a trial.

He had just been released by Turkish top-flight club Ankarag�c� and was desparately looking for a way back into the English game following previous spells at Norwich (Premier League and Championship), Rotherham (League One), Northampton (League One) and Luton (League Two).

“I will always be grateful to Colchester (chairman) Robbie Cowling and Aidy Boothroyd for giving me the opportunity to come here,” said Henderson. “I would love to stay longer.”

A number of U’s players are out-of-contract at the end of the season and U’s boss John Ward has just started to negotiate with left-back Marc Tierney and Anthony Wordsworth.

“Robbie Cowling and myself have started some talks,” said Ward. “But at the moment this not my priority. Neither is it the players’ who are all just focussed on getting in the team and doing as well as they can.”

– For full match preview of Colchester United’s visit of Yeovil in League One see tomorrow’s EADT.