COLCHESTER United could still bring in loan signings to bolster their squad before the transfer window closes.

The U’s have made nine new signings so far this summer but all of them have been permanent deals.

That is in contrast to their dealings in last summer’s window where they recruited a number of loanees, including Joe Taylor, Owen Goodman and Nico Lawrence.

READ MORE: Colchester United snap up experienced defender Tom Flanagan 

U’s sporting director Dmitri Halajko says they have made permanent signings their priority so far this summer but has not ruled out the possibility of them bringing in loanees before the window closes, on August 30.

Halajko told U’s fans at the club’s Open Day: “The loan market is always one that we look at and it’s an important market that we have to cover.

“Last year, we went really early on it and this year, we’re biding our time a little bit and getting some experience through the door first that Danny and Nicky have either worked with or we’ve identified are right for the club.

(Image: WWW.CU-FC.COM)

“It is a market which we might do a bit of business in later and it’s definitely not a door that we’ve closed altogether but we’ve decided to just delay that little bit of business and get some permanent ones through the door first and fill what’s needed around that.”

Tom Flanagan became Colchester’s ninth signing of the summer today after joining them on a one-year deal.

The U’s have brought in a host of new players, with some of the recruitment funded by the sale of the likes of Jayden Fevrier and Jay Mingi, earlier in the window.

READ MORE: Matt Jay is showing everyone what a true professional he is

“One of the reasons we’ve been able to be so active is because of some of the profit that we’ve made on outgoings and that money does get reinvested back into the squad,” added Halajko.

“We’ve all sat down and targeted the players that we want.

“Danny and Nicky are key to that and drive that and then it’s down to us to get those deals done and over the line.

(Image: PA WIRE)

“We’re fortunate so far in that most of the deals we’ve gone for, we’ve managed to get through.

“We’ve managed to recruit a good blend of youth and experience with some young up and coming players but also some more experienced ones and quite a few who have been promoted out of this league before.

“We’re quite happy with the window so far but we’ve still got a few little bits to do, I think.”