COLCHESTER United have suffered a blow after receiving confirmation that top scorer Joe Taylor will be returning to parent club Luton Town.

The 21-year-old striker's appearance for the U's in their 1-0 defeat to the Gills this afternoon looks like it will be his last for the club, after the Hatters took up their option to recall the striker, amid League One interest.

Taylor's departure is a real setback for Colchester, who lie a place above the League Two relegation zone after suffering eight defeats in their last nine matches, in all competitions.

Taylor has hit 12 goals in 27 appearances for the U's since joining them on loan from Luton, in the summer.

READ MORE: Match report as struggling Colchester are beaten by Gillingham

Colchester boss Matty Etherington said: “It looks like Joe Taylor is going back to Luton.

“I don’t know if that will be before the Swindon game or after it but he’s going back.

“Of course, we’ll miss Joe.

“We’ll miss his goals and we need to try and find a way of replacing his goals.

“It’s not easy but we’ll try.

“Ultimately, it’s down to Luton Town – he's their player and that’s the decision they’ve made.

Gazette:

“There are three or four clubs in League One that are interested and that’s where it looks like he’ll be going."

Colchester have already lined up a replacement for Taylor, with a new signing set for a medical today ahead of a transfer window move.

Etherington said: “I’m fairly certain there’s a player having a medical tomorrow (Tuesday).

“It will be a forward player and the club have done their work early, knowing about (Joe Taylor) a week or so ago.

“Hopefully, he’ll be training with us Thursday and Friday, in contention for Swindon so that’s a positive."

READ MORE: Colchester United 0 Gillingham 1 - as it happened

Colchester were beaten at home by Gillingham, after Scott Malone's second-half strike sealed victory for the visitors at the JobServe Community Stadium.

Etherington said: “We’re on a poor run, what can I say?

“Between both boxes, I thought we more than competed with Gillingham.

“I thought we defended a lot better today but we’re not taking those key moments.

“The quality and decision making isn’t right and that’s what’s holding us back.

“It’s a tough time.

“I’m getting on with it one foot in front of the other but it’s not easy.”