THERE is still a chance that Hungarian international defender, Bela Balogh, could be playing for Colchester United during the coming season.The deal appeared to be dead in the water last week, with U's boss Geraint Williams admitting that the terms were not in the best interests of the club.

By Carl Marston

THERE is still a chance that Hungarian international defender, Bela Balogh, could be playing for Colchester United during the coming season.

The deal appeared to be dead in the water last week, with U's boss Geraint Williams admitting that the terms were not in the best interests of the club. Balogh did not play in Saturday's friendly against a Liverpool XI.

The 22-year-old centre-half, who plays for MTK Hungaria in his native country, featured in the U's first two pre-season friendlies at Heybridge and Cambridge United.

“The original deal was not right for Colchester United. His club in Hungary wanted him to sign a permanent contract for a substantial fee. That did not seem right,” revealed Williams.

“But we are still open to options. There could be another way, such as Bela coming to us on loan.”

Former Charlton Athletic striker Kevin Lisbie has been involved in all of the U's pre-season friendlies as a triallist, and it is hoped that he will sign a permanent contract before the start of the campaign.

Williams continued: “We are in negotiations with Kevin (Lisbie). Of course we are hoping to sign him.

“This latest match has been a good work-out. We created some very good chances, although there's a lot more to come from everyone. I thought we let Liverpool have too many chances, and we gave them too much respect early on.

“Our two wingers (Kevin McLeod and Mark Yeates) impressed going forward. They are both very attack-minded players, but we're disappointed with our second-half performance. We sometimes took too many touches on the ball,” added Williams.

The U's boss also confirmed that midfielder Kevin Watson was still suffering with a sore Achilles tendon.

Speaking on Friday, Watson himself revealed that he was unlikely to be fit for the start of the season.

Teddy Sheringham is planning to join in training today, following his calf injury, although tomorrow night's friendly at League One hosts Gillingham will come too soon for the ex-England striker.