Lockwood flattered by U's

The 31-year-old defender is being closely courted by the U's, who have had a £100,000 bid for the player accepted by Nottingham Forest.

Colchester boss Geraint Williams has been in regular contact with Lockwood, with a view to bringing him to the Community Stadium.

And while Lockwood said his immediate playing future is yet to be decided, the Essex-born player revealed he would definitely consider a move to the U's.

He told the Gazette: "I've been talking to Geraint Williams quite a lot and I've been very impressed with what he has had to say.

"I know Geraint has been to watch me play for Forest reserves and he's made it clear to me that I'm his number one target. He doesn't have to sell the club to me - over the last three or four years or so, Colchester have been doing well and I'm sure they will bounce back from the relegation.

"In the past I've also spoken to former team-mates about Colchester, like Joe Keith and Alan White while I was at Leyton Orient.

"They always spoke highly of the club, as have Jamie Cureton - who I was with at Bristol Rovers - and Luke Guttridge, even though he didn't have the best of times there.

"I want to get my future sorted out one way or the other and I appreciate the club wants to get it done as quickly as possible."

Lockwood was part of the Nottingham Forest squad that won promotion to the Coca-Cola Championship last season.

And although a move to Colchester would mean playing in League One, the former Leyton Orient stalwart is in no doubt that the U's match his ambition.

"I want to play for a club that wants to expand and be successful," he said.

"Everyone likes winning and that's clearly what Geraint wants for next season.

"With the new stadium on the horizon and the new chairman coming in and showing his ambition, it's there for all to see.

"I haven't actually been to the new stadium but I've seen the pictures of it and it's impressive.

"And if the club get back up, there's room to expand."