Young striker Macauley Bonne tonight left Colchester United for Leyton Orient.

Bonne, 21, who also spent time in the Ipswich Town academy, inked a two-year deal at the O’s and moved for an undisclosed fee.

He made his U’s debut as a 17-year-old at Shrewbury in October 2013, a few days before celebrating his 18th birthday with a goal at home to Peterbprough United. In total he made 82 appearances, netting 16 goals.

Director of Football Tony Humes said: “Sometimes, you have to be fair to a player and let him move on to pastures new, we do have a duty of care to all our young players coming through the system.

“Macca has found it difficult to cement a regular place in the first team and we felt it was probably the best thing for him to try and galvanise his career elsewhere.”

Defender George Elokobi, who decided not to re-sign with the U’s, has also signed a two-year deal with Orient.