Brazilian ace Jose Antunes Fumaca is still a Colchester United player.

U's boss Mick Wadsworth, who snapped up the exciting ball-playing wizard from Brazilian club Celonuse, insisted yesterday Fumaca has not signed for Barnsley yet whatever the first division club may say.

He said: "Nothing has been signed, sealed or delivered yet on that score and I'm very much hoping nothing will before the transfer deadline on Thursday.

"I want him to stay with Colchester for the rest of the season because I feel he will be better playing for us than anyone else.

"He can play the way he wants to here and that has to be a big plus in our bid to keep him at Layer Road. I've certainly not given up hope that he will stay with us."

Meanwhile, the U's boss is working round the clock to bring in an attacking midfielder or striker in a bid to boost the team's goal power before Thursday's transfer deadline.

Wadsworth said: "I'm working like stink to bring another new face in - it is vital that the club stays in the second division."

French defender Fabrice Richard was expected to rubber stamp his new one-and-a-quarter-year deal with the U's yesterday afternoon. His brother Christophe, a left-sided midfielder, is also having a trial with the club.

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