COLCHESTER United defender Marc Tierney insists he is keen to sign a contract extension this summer following the breakdown of initial negotiations.

Fears were once again raised that the 24-year-old left-back might be heading for a Championship club last week following speculation that he had turned down the opportunity to extend his current deal beyond the end of next season.

The Manchester-born defender has now confirmed that he did indeed reject a new contract earlier this year, but was quick to play down the implications.

“I’ve no idea where this latest speculation has come from,” said the Manchester-born defender. “I have literally not spoken to anyone about my contract for the last couple of months.

“Two months ago the manager (Aidy Boothroyd) said that he was impressed with me, asked me to sign a new contract and my response was ‘let’s get it sorted’.

“The wheels were in motion but unfortunately we couldn’t agree anything and, in the end, we decided to leave it for the time being because I didn’t want it to get in the way of the rest of the season.

“It wasn’t a case of falling out or anything like that. I gave my feedback and it wasn’t a problem.

“I understand the club has a budget to work to, but at the same time I will be 24 going into the last year of my contract so the next one I sign will have to be right for my family – especially as I have another baby coming.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to get something sorted out. I’ve got a young family so the sooner the better really.”

A fans’ favourite for his hard-hitting and attack-minded style of play, Tierney further strengthened his popularity in January by describing himself as a ‘fan in a shirt’ and declaring that he would never play for bitter rivals Norwich City.

He said: “I couldn’t have hoped for this move to have gone better.

“To get Young Player of the Year in my first season was amazing and the fans have really taken to me. I can’t see myself in another shirt to be honest.

“I’ve got another year at Colchester at the very least and I want to make that more if possible.

“My aim is to play as high as possible in the game. I want to do that with Colchester and I believe that, whether that’s this season or next, we can get promoted.”