Daniel Pappoe’s arrival at Colchester United will provide extra competition for places in central defence, according to manager Joe Dunne.

Pappoe is on the verge of completing a six-month loan move from Chelsea, after featuring in the U’s friendly wins over Bishop’s Stortford and AFC Sudbury.

The 19-year-old Ghanaian prospect, who has been on Chelsea’s books since he was 12, has been compared to former U’s defender George Elokobi by boss Dunne.

Dunne said: “Daniel is a player I've seen when I've been on the circuit and he’s a very assured centre-back who needs a breakthrough now.

“I’ve brought him in to be part of the first team and Daniel will certainly push the other centre-backs we have, for sure.

“He gives us great strength, power and an opportunity to work the ball. “He reads the ball well and uses his body well and he tries to work the ball, which is all you can ask from a player.

“He’s young and he reminds me a bit of George Elokobi, when he first came to Colchester.

“We just need to get him up to speed and give him a base.”

Pappoe is set to become the fourth loan player Colchester have signed from Chelsea since October, following the arrivals of Sam Walker, Billy Clifford and Archange Nkumu.

Dunne said: “Chelsea have been kind enough to help us out once again and it shows our relationship is flourishing.

“The squad is taking shape; it’s just a case of one or two more tweaks and we’ll be there.”

See the Daily Gazette for all of the latest Colchester United news, including a full preview of the U's game against West Ham United tonight.