Colchester United were to make a last-ditch bid to tempt Wolverhampton Wanderers Welsh international central defender Adrian Williams to Layer Road on loan.

Williams, a £750,000 buy from Reading three years ago and currently getting back to fitness after injury, turned down the chance of a loan spell to the U's on Friday.

But manager Steve Whitton said on Monday: "We are having one last go to persuade the player to change his mind today."

Whitton also insisted that his attempts to re-sign former U's favourite Joe Dunne from Nationwide Conference club Dover were continuing.

"I am still negotiating with Dover to bring Joe back here," he said.

The U's boss also confirmed his out-of-favour French striker Steve Germain has returned home after having his contract cancelled by mutual consent.

Germain made a handful of first team appearances in former manager Mick Wadsworth's reign, but has not figured since.

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