KAYODE Odejayi, Colchester United’s newly-crowned official player-of-the-season, is delighted to have been finally offered a new contract.

There is no guarantee that Odejayi will still be a U’s player next season, but the 30-year-old target man has revealed that in an “ideal world” he would like to stay at the Essex club.

Odejayi’s current contract expires this summer, and for while it looked as though the ex-Cheltenham and Barnsley front-man might not be offered a new deal, chiefly because of the new tighter playing budget in place for next season.

But after talks with manager John Ward last week, Odejayi has been offered a new deal.

Despite only scoring four league goals this season, and having failed to find the net in his last 27 appearances, Odejayi remains a vital cog in the U’s wheel, as was confirmed by his winning the player-of-the-season award earlier this week.

Talking about the new offer Odejayi confirmed: “Me and the gaffer had a little conversation early last week.

“First and foremost, I want to get these last two games over and out of the way, and then everything else will take care of itself.

“But last week was the first time that an offer was actually put on the table. It’s obviously pleasing to get the offer, and something that I have now got to think about.

“In an ideal world, I’d love to stay. Yet you never know what will happen in football.

“It’s nice to have an offer there, and I appreciate it. I’m settled in the area, the boys are brilliant and we have been close (to promotion) each year.

“The next deal is important for me, at my age, and everything has to be right in terms of the footballing side and other things.

“But I’ve been happy here for the last three years.”

Nigerian-born Odejayi, who signed for the U’s back in December, 2009, has been a model of consistency.

In fact, he is set to make his 100th league appearance for the club this afternoon, in the final home game of the season against Tranmere.

Speaking about his recent player-of-the-season accolade, Odejayi admitted: “It was a bit of a surprise, and it took me a while to get my head around it.

“But I am very pleased to receive it, nonetheless, and I’d just like to thank all the fans who voted for me. It was very much appreciated, and I’m delighted with the award.

“Personally, I’ve been pretty happy with my performances, in terms of consistency, and what I have done for the team.

“I’d like to have scored a few more goals along the way. But my form hasn’t dipped since I’ve not been scoring.

“It would be easy for your head to drop and confidence to drop, but I’ve managed to keep a steady level of performance.”

Meanwhile, manager John Ward confirmed “ I’ve made Kay an offer. He is one I would like to keep here.

“I want to keep the bulk of this group, though I possibly know it won’t happen with all of them. I’d like to have that opportunity with this group, because I think they can do even more.”