COLCHESTER United are set to sign midfielder Jack Payne, according to reports.

Pete O’Rourke, transfer correspondent for Football Insider, is reporting that the U's are set to sign the former Charlton Athletic and Huddersfield Town man, despite interest from MLS clubs.

Payne is a free agent after being released by League One side Charlton, at the end of last season.

 

The 29-year-old joined the Addicks from Swindon Town in the summer of 2022, upon the expiry of his contract at the County Ground.

Payne spent last season on loan at League Two side MK Dons, making 42 appearances and scoring seven goals in all competitions.

He has won promotion from all three divisions in the Football League and made 28 appearances for Huddersfield Town in the 2016/17 season, helping them win promotion to the Premier League.

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Payne began his career at Southend United, for whom he played 88 games and scored 17 goals.

His impressive form for the Shrimpers sealed him a move to Huddersfield in 2015 and then loan spells at Oxford United, Blackburn Rovers and Bradford City followed, after that.

After leaving Huddersfield he signed for Lincoln City, before he joined Swindon in 2020 where he played under former U's boss, Ben Garner.

(Image: CLINT HUGHES/PA WIRE)

Payne was then reunited with Garner at Charlton but spent last season at MK Dons, helping them to the play-offs.

He was released by Charlton at the end of last season and is now looking for a new challenge, with Colchester leading the race to sign him.