COLCHESTER United have failed in their bid to sign Bournemouth midfielder, Danny Hollands.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United have failed in their bid to sign Bournemouth midfielder, Danny Hollands.

The U's were interested in snapping up the 22-year-old former Chelsea trainee, even though it could have involved paying a fee of more than £100,000.

However, Hollands has instead pledged his long-term future to Bournemouth by signing a new contract at the League Two club.

U's boss Geraint Williams has already bolstered his leaky defence this summer, by signing Matt Heath from Leeds United and Matt Lockwood from Nottingham Forest.

But he now needs to increase his options elsewhere, particularly in the wide midfield positions, following an exodus of 11 of last season's squad, for various reasons.

Ex-Chelsea reserve team captain Hollands had been linked with the U's over the last few days, while he pondered his future - Bournemouth were relegated to League Two on the final day of last season, and are still in administration with the threat of a further 15 points deduction for the new season.

Cherries chairman, Jeff Mostyn, revealed: “Apart from Josh Gowling, we have now successfully negotiated with all of our out-of-contract players (including Hollands).

Meanwhile, former Colchester youth team player Jeremiah Olusanya, who was released without being offered a professional contract, has signed for Ryman League Division One South side Croydon.