LUKE Hyam has been made available for loan by Blues boss Paul Jewell.

But reports suggesting the 20-year-old midfielder is set to clinch a move to near neighbours Colchester United appear to be wider off the mark.

Jewell said the speculation, which surfaced this morning, was “news to him” while his counterpart at Colchester, John Ward, declined to comment on the transfer link.

The manager said: “Luke is a a good professional and he needs to be playing games. I always think it is better for young players to go out playing games like Ronan Murray has at Swindon.

“We have played Chelsea and Tottenham (in friendlies) but it is not the real deal. Jamie Griffiths went to Plymouth for two months and he probably learned more in that time than he could ever learn playing reserves.”

And Jewell confirmed Griffiths, who is currently training with Colchester, would not be offered a new deal at Portman Road. The Sudbury-born 19-year-old was offered a six-month deal by Jewell after an injury-hit year last season.

But Jewell said: “I told Jamie we won’t be renewing his contract. He’s free to trial anywhere. He is a great lad with a great attitude.”

Speaking this morning, Colchester United boss Ward said: “Jamie Griffiths is working with us because we got permission from Ipswich to take him into the football club.

“We are very much aware of who is around other football clubs, particularly in our area, but I can’t talk about a player or is contracted to another club.”

Hyam, who showed such promise when he broke into Roy Keane’s Town team last year, has since seen his career stall a little. He has made nine starts and a further two appearances from the bench for Ipswich.