Derby County midfielder Brian Launders was set to become Colchester United manager Mick Wadsworth's latest new signing on Thursday.

Launders was due to travel from his native Ireland to sign a two-year deal for the U's at Layer Road.

An attacking midfielder, the cultured Irishman was originally snapped up by Wadsworth from Premiership County on loan just before transfer deadline day.

But an old injury, aggravated on his debut in the 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth, restricted Launders's U's appearances to just one.

Fully fit again following a knee operation, Launders, who spent much of last season playing in Holland for Dutch first division club Veendham, has once again been targeted by Wadsworth.

"Brian is a class player with a lot to offer us," said the U's boss.

"Derby County originally took him on loan from the Dutch side for 12 months and I thought he showed up very well in his only game after switching to us."

Launders will become Wadsworth's third signing this week following the arrival of Crystal Palace central defender Sagi Burton and West Ham full-back Joe Keith on Tuesday.

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