COLCHESTER United manager Paul Lambert still has one transfer wish that has not been granted this summer - the acquisition of another striker.

Carl Marston

by Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United manager Paul Lambert still has one transfer wish that has not been granted this summer - the acquisition of another striker.

The Scotsman has recruited a couple of defenders (Lee Beevers and Magnus Okuonghae), a creative midfielder (David Fox) and a winger (Ashley Vincent), and today keeper Ben Williams is expected to finalise his move to the Community Stadium from Carlisle.

But the search for another proven marksman goes on, and Lambert might turn his attention to one of his former players, Jermaine Easter.

United had a bid for Shrewsbury Town hot shot Grant Holt flatly turned down by the Shropshire club last month, so there is still a vacancy to give extra competition for club record signing Steven Gillespie and target man Clive Platt, together with back-up strikers Scott Vernon and Jamie Guy.

Easter is still under contract at Plymouth Argyle, having had a spell on loan with the U's from the Pilgrims last season.

However, Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock has revealed that he wants to slim down his squad, which could mean that ex-Welsh international Easter is available for a new challenge.

Sturrock wants to slash the numbers in his squad before the start of the new season, so he is open to offers.

“I'm working very hard to get the appropriate number moved on, and for their sake as well,” insisted Sturrock.

“We have 30 players training, which is not ideal when you want to work on certain things for games and to get the shape of the team.

“It is something we are trying to address as quickly as possible.”

Powerful front-runner Easter, who used to play under Lambert at Wycombe Wanderers, arrived at the Community Stadium on loan from Plymouth last November.

The 27-year-old scored the winner on his home debut, a 1-0 win over Yeovil, and also netted in the 2-1 home defeat by Hereford. But after two goals in five outings, he damaged his medial ligaments which prompted a premature return to Home Park.

The U's begin their pre-season campaign with a visit to Tiptree United this Saturday (kick-off 3pm).