BEN Garner insists Colchester United are ‘prepared for all eventualities’ amid speculation linking Junior Tchamadeu with a move away from the club.

The talented 19-year-old played the full 90 minutes for the U’s in their 2-1 triumph over Leyton Orient in their final pre-season friendly of the summer, on Saturday.

Tchamadeu, who has made 90 senior appearances for the U's, has been linked with a switch to Championship club Stoke City in this summer’s transfer window, with Colchester confirming that they have received interest in their academy product.

READ MORE: Ben Garner's verdict on U's friendly win over Leyton Orient

However, a deal is yet to be struck and when asked if the wing-back would be involved for the U’s in their season opener against Swindon Town next Saturday, boss Garner admitted it was difficult to predict.

Garner said: “Who knows? We never know the future in football.

Gazette:

“My focus at the moment is that Junior is here with us – we’re working with him every day and enjoying doing so.

“It was a strong performance from him (against Leyton Orient) and you could see the endeavour and quality that he still brings to the team.

“Our focus is making Junior a better player every day, unless we’re told otherwise.”

Tchamadeu is a key player for Colchester, having landed last season’s League Two Young Player of the Season award and being named in the League Two Team of the Season, in addition to scooping a hatful of individual club awards.

READ MORE: U's see off Leyton Orient in final pre-season friendly

Garner stressed he wants to keep hold of the youngster but says the U’s do have plans in place for reinforcements, should Tchamadeu depart.

“We’re prepared for all eventualities,” added Garner.

“In my head, if Junior stays, it’s fantastic from our point of view, we’re keeping a very, very talented player; if the club accepts an offer and he’s moving on, then we’ve got contingency plans in place to deal with that.

Gazette:

“We don’t want to weaken ourselves.

“We want to be just as strong, even if he does move on.

“With any player, we’ve got a shortlist for each position in the team, if any player was to move on.

“Like with any of our players, we could get a phone call tomorrow and if we get a £1.5m offer then there’s every chance they’re going to go, so we’re ready for that and we’re prepared for any player that does leave the club.

“But from my perspective as head coach, I obviously want to keep all of my talented players here.”