Colchester United have signed Bryan Ifeanyi

The 17-year-old attacker has joined the U's but will spend his early days at the club playing for Maldon and Tiptree, under Wayne Brown.

U's Director of Football Tony Humes told the club's website: "Bryan looks an exciting prospect, and one we feel is ready for competitive men's football even though he is still only seventeen.

"It's a pathway that many of our young players tread, and despite him only just having come into the club, we feel he is ready for this step up from youth football."

Ifeanyi emerged through the ranks in the Leyton Orient academy but has now signed for the U's ahead of a number of other interested clubs.

He will start the season with Maldon and Tiptree in Pitching In Isthmian League division north, under former U's defender Brown.

Brown told the U's website: "Bryan will benefit from playing for us in the short term, and we will I'm sure benefit as well with what we think he can bring to Maldon.

"It's good that we have this relationship with Colchester United because I feel that when a player like Bryan comes to us, it's great for all three parties as he develops into a better player."

Ifeanyi is in line to make his Jammers debut in their division north opener at Romford tomorrow.