COLCHESTER United striker Scott Vernon could be in line for a move to Carlisle United, in part-exchange for keeper Ben Williams.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United striker Scott Vernon could be in line for a move to Carlisle United, in part-exchange for keeper Ben Williams.

The U's are closing in on signing ex-Manchester United trainee Williams, as a replacement for Dean Gerken, who signed a two-year deal with Bristol City on Tuesday.

The one stumbling block over the Williams move seems to hinge on a player switching in the other direction, and out-of-favour striker Vernon would fit the bill.

The Cumbrians are well stocked for defenders, but they are desperate for a new striker, especially as star front-runner Danny Graham is signing for Watford.

U's manager Paul Lambert needs to slim down his squad, not least following the arrival of the summer trio of David Fox, Lee Beevers and Magnus Okuonghae, and also the new deals signed by Mark Cousins, Alan Maybury and Pat Baldwin.

The Scotsman is also hoping to snap up another proven goalscorer in the next few days, to complement front-line strikers Steven Gillespie and Clive Platt, so Vernon or even back-up striker Jamie Guy are in the frame.

Vernon is the most likely. The Manchester-born 25-year-old spent most of his career playing in the north-west, at Oldham and later Blackpool, before his switch to Colchester.

Carlisle boss Greg Abbott was not naming names, but he admitted that Williams was set to move to Colchester, with a player moving in the other direction.

“We are really hopeful on this one. The fans will be pleased that what we are holding out for in this deal is something that will really benefit the club,” explained Abbott.

The U's senior squad reassembles this morning for their first pre-season training session.