ROBBIE Cowling insists Colchester United will not sell any of their prize assets unless the price is right.

Junior Tchamadeu has been heavily linked with a move away from the U’s in this transfer window, with firm interest shown in the talented youngster.

Tchamadeu has been linked with the likes of Stoke City and Peterborough United but remains a Colchester player, on the eve of the new EFL season.

READ MORE: Colchester United closing in on two new signings

Mr Cowling stressed the club support any ambitions their players have to play at the highest level possible – but the U’s owner and chairman has reiterated that they will only sell if their valuation is met.

Gazette:

Mr Cowling told www.cu-fc.com: “In terms of the playing squad, we have been sticking to our plan to bring in quality and not quantity.

“We have also kept to our plan to hold on to our prize assets unless we get an offer that fully meets our valuations for them.

“While we understand and support the ambitions of our players to reach the highest levels, we also have our own aspirations and will only sell if the move is mutually right for both the club as well as the player.”

READ MORE: Tony Humes departs his role as U's Director of Football

Colchester are preparing for a brand new League Two season, where they will be hoping to compete at the right end of the table and push for promotion.

The U’s have brought in five new signings so far in this window, with additional new faces set to follow imminently.

Gazette:

Colchester have also made alterations off the field, including former Spurs and West Ham winger Matthew Etherington being drafted in as the club’s new under-21 head coach.

Mr Cowling says Etherington’s arrival adds to the ‘remarkable’ high standard of coaches already working at Florence Park.

“There have also been a number of changes with staff at the training ground which is not unusual as many of our academy staff attract the attentions of clubs from the Premier League,” added Mr Cowling.

“Most notably, Matty Etherington has joined as our U21s coach.

“Matt brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role, having invested heavily in his own coaching career and holding a UEFA Pro Licence.

“His addition bolsters our coaching team, which now boasts four UEFA Pro Licence holders, including Dmitri Halajko, Ben Garner, and Scott Marshall. I believe that is quite remarkable for a League Two club.”