CONOR Wilkinson is edging closer to a Colchester United exit.

The 29-year-old forward has not featured in pre-season for the U’s and looks like he is heading out of the JobServe Community Stadium.

Wilkinson has managed only eight substitute appearances since joining Colchester on an 18-month deal from Scottish Premiership side Motherwell, last January.

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And boss Danny Cowley admits they are trying to find a good solution for all parties, with Wilkinson seemingly heading for pastures new.

Cowley said: “We have some really good players at this football club, Conor being one of them.

“He’s an ultra-talented boy and he’s got some outstanding quality.

“Wherever he’s gone, he’s been able to score goals.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

“Sometimes, it’s just not quite the right fit and that’s football.

“Sometimes, the profile and the attributes a player has don’t quite fit the game idea.

“This is never personal; this is just how it is.

“For us, when that is the case it’s always to try to be honest and try to give the player clarity.

“We need to find a good solution for all parties and we’re working towards that.

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“We’re pretty close to doing that and that’s great, because Conor’s a really good kid.

“He loves football and he really wants to be successful.

“We never want to stand in people’s way and the worst part of my job is having to stand in the way of players that love the game and want to play but of course, in modern-day football most clubs hold squads of 20-22 and sometimes, this means you help them all Monday to Friday but have to get in their way on a weekend.

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

“This is just football, I suppose.”

Wilkinson started his career at Millwall before joining Championship side Bolton Wanderers.

After four years with Bolton, he had spells at Gillingham, Leyton Orient and Walsall before joining Motherwell in the summer of 2023.

Wilkinson made 19 league and cup appearances for Motherwell before joining Colchester, in January.