Colchester United stars Gavin Johnson and Alan White could be on target for a big future at Layer Road.

And there is more good news involving goalkeeper Simon Brown.

U's boss Steve Whitton revealed today he is working hard behind the scenes to "sign" both Johnson and White, while former Spurs keeper Brown has already accepted another three-month contract.

Whitton said: "We are trying to put a package together to keep Gavin Johnson at Layer Road. I would like to sign him long term if I can. Gavin is a quality player and he has done well since joining us a few weeks ago."

Midfielder Johnson, 29, who won Second and Third Division championship winners' medals for Ipwich Town and Wigan Athletic, has proved a very influential member of the U's squad since moving to Layer Road from Scottish First Division club Dunfermline in November.

Whitton also threw out strong hints he was keen to snap up central defender Alan White who plays the final game of his one-month loan spell in the U's Boxing Day clash at Gillingham.

His availablity hinges on whether Luton's Efetobore Sodje, sent-off for deliberate handball in the 35th minute of Friday night's 3-0 defeat by the U's, is needed by Nigeria for the country's African Nations Cup in a few weeks' time.

Sodje's immediate international future will be decided at the Nigerian training camp next week.

Whitton said: "If Sodje is included in the squad, White will be recalled by Luton. If he doesn't make it then at the very least I will be looking to extend White's loan deal for the full three months."

Meanwhile there was mixed news involving long-term injury victims Andy Arnott and skipper Richard Wilkins. Whitton said: "Andy will be stepping up his training this week and could be available from Boxing Day onwards.

"Sadly Richard, who was recovering well from a neck injury, has had a setback and has been forced to halt whatever he is doing."

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