COLCHESTER United have been linked with a move for Carlisle United defender Corey Whelan.

The U’s are on the lookout for central defensive options before Friday’s transfer deadline, with Nico Lawrence and Tom Dallison both sidelined with injuries.

And Republic of Ireland under-21 international Whelan, who is yet to feature for Carlisle in League One this season, could fit the bill.

READ MORE: Junior Tchamadeu follows in footsteps of Greg Halford and Neil Danns

Whelan played 41 times for the Cumbrians in the 2022-23 campaign, helping them secure promotion from League Two via the play-offs.

Gazette:

The 25-year-old started out at Crewe Alexandra but was signed by Liverpool when he was nine years old.

Whelan was a regular for Liverpool’s under-23 side and had loan spells at Yeovil Town and former club Crewe before he was released by the Reds at the end of the 2018-19 season.

READ MORE: The academy influence that pleased Ben Garner after Gillingham win

The versatile defender, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, had a spell in the United States at Phoenix Rising FC before joining Wigan Athletic in January, 2021.

Whelan left the Latics that summer and joined Carlisle United on a two-year deal, making more than 50 league appearances for them so far.

Gazette:

He is contracted with the Blues until the end of the current season but could now move on from Brunton Park.

Colchester boss Ben Garner has stated he would like to sign at least three new players before the transfer window closes, on Friday.

Speaking after the U’s 3-0 win at Gillingham last weekend, he said: “It’s a big week for us.

“We still need I think at least three players.

READ MORE: Fiacre Kelleher wants Gillingham win to be U's benchmark this season

“We’re three players away from what we want to be as a squad, to give us a bit more depth.

“It’s a long season and there’s a lot of games.

“I had a meeting with Robbie (Cowling) and Dmitri (Halajko) on Friday and we know what we want to do.

“I think we’ll have a fairly busy week, in terms of incomings and outgoings.

“We know where we want to get the squad to and hopefully we can do some good business this week and really strengthen the team.”