COLCHESTER United have bolstered their squad ahead of the new season with the signing of defender Omar Sowunmi for an undisclosed fee.

The Colchester-born defender, who had a year remaining on his deal at Huish Park, has returned to Essex after joining the U's on a two-year contract.

Sowunmi, 23, started his career with Ipswich Town but did not make a first-team appearance at Portman Road.

The 6ft 6in defender stint in Suffolk included loan spells at Braintree Town and Lowestoft Town before he joined Yeovil Town in June, 2015.

Sowunmi made 88 league and cup appearances during his time at Huish Park, scoring five times.

But the former Philip Morant School pupil has now left the Glovers after four years following their relegation from League Two and signed for the U's.

He joins Luke Gambin and Michael Fernandes in linking up with the U's first-team squad this summer.

Colchester have also brought in Danny Collinge and Sammie McLeod, initially for their under-23 squad.

It has been a busy day at Florence Park, with the arrival of Fernandes on a two-year deal confirmed earlier on today along with the departure of goalkeeper player-coach Rene Gilmartin, to Bristol City.

Colchester play their first pre-season friendly on Friday night when they travel to play Isthmian League outfit, Bowers and Pitsea.

Their first League Two fixture is at home to Port Vale, on August 3.