CARLISLE United left winger Simon Hackney is the latest target of Colchester United boss Paul Lambert, although once again the U's enquiries have fallen on deaf ears.

Carl Marston

CARLISLE United left winger Simon Hackney is the latest target of Colchester United boss Paul Lambert, although once again the U's enquiries have fallen on deaf ears.

The Essex club failed in their quest to sign centre-halves Mike Williamson (from Wycombe Wanderers) and Rob Jones (from Hibs) earlier in the month, after lodging much-publicised six-figure bids.

Now manager Lambert has been turning his attention to improving his options on the wing. A five-figure bid for Hackney has been turned down, rumoured to be in the region of �25,000.

It was a familiar reply from League One rivals Carlisle, who seem to value 24-year-old Hackney just as highly as Wycombe rate Williamson, and Hibs value their club skipper Jones.

Cumbrians boss Greg Abbott insisted: “Colchester made an enquiry to take Simon (Hackney) on an initial loan, and they also asked if they could buy him.

“They were told he is not going anywhere on a loan basis. And he is not for sale, unless they come in with a ridiculous offer, which we would then have to put to Simon.”