COLCHESTER United have provided an update on their attempts to extend Sylvester Jasper's loan deal.
The talented 20-year-old's loan deal was until January and has now expired.
As a result, Jasper missed Colchester's 2-1 defeat at Sutton United in the Papa John's Trophy, last night.
However, the U's have been holding discussions with Fulham about extending the winger's time at the JobServe Community Stadium.
Jasper has impressed since joining Colchester on loan from the Championship club, in the summer.
He has made 24 league and cup appearances for the U's, scoring three times.
Jasper had started their last seven games in all competitions prior to last night's defeat at Sutton but has seen his current loan deal with Fulham has come to an end.
Colchester are keen to keep him for longer and U's head coach Hayden Mullins says they are 'pretty close' in their attempts to keep hold of the player for longer.
Mullins said: “Sylv is just trying to sort out the terms of his deal.
“His deal expired a couple of days ago, so we’re still trying to get that one sorted.
“We’re hopeful it will be sorted and we’re pretty close, so hopefully we can get that sorted in the next day or so."
Jasper has impressed since joining Colchester on his first loan away from Fulham.
He netted his first-ever senior goal for them in October when he scored the U's winner in their 1-0 win over Harrogate Town, at the JobServe Community Stadium.
And he followed that up with a fine strike in Colchester's televised FA Cup triumph over AFC Sudbury, in November.
Jasper also scored in the U's 3-1 triumph over Exeter City in League Two, last month.
Jasper's form has been recognised on the international stage, too.
He made his debut for Bulgaria under-21s last month when he featured for more than an hour in their 3-1 defeat to their Netherlands counterparts, in a Euro U21 qualifier.
Colchester are also in talks to keep Jake Turner and Cameron Coxe (pictured above) at the club for longer.
Goalkeeper Turner has made nine appearances for the U's since joining them on loan from Premier League outfit Newcastle United, in the summer transfer window.
Coxe has featured regularly for Colchester since joining on loan from National League club Solihull Moors and has started their last two games at left-back.
“Jake and Cameron are ongoing," said Mullins.
“Hopefully we can get them wrapped up in the next week or so."
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