Town are close to completing a move for Colchester United striker Freddie Sears. The 25-year-old has scored 14 goals for the struggling U’s this season.

The former West Ham man is understood to have been at Playford Road this morning to finalise a switch with the deal likely to be done in time for Sears to travel with the squad to Millwall.

Town are likely to be paying a small fee for the Hornchurch-born striker, whose U’s contract is up in the summer.

Sears came through the ranks at West Ham where he eventually went on to make 25 starts and 33 sub appearances, scoring three goals.

While with the Hammers he spent time on loan with Crystal Palace, Coventry, Scunthorpe and Colchester before making his move to the U's permanent in July 2012.

Capped by England at U19, U20 and U21 levels, Sears has scored 36 goals in 81 starts and 28 sub appearances for the U's, including during his loan spell.

The Blues are keen to add one, perhaps two, strikers to their ranks ahead of Saturday’s visit to Millwall.

Long-time target Billy Sharp, who is now with Leeds United, is also understood to be on the wish-list.

Photo: Action Images

hampstead_blue added 12:22 - Jan 16 is he any good?
0

Lowestoft_Blue added 12:23 - Jan 16 Someone with abit of pace. What we've been lacking!
3

Michael11 added 12:23 - Jan 16 14 goals in a struggling side and still a good age. Well worth giving a chance I reckon. Welcome aboard Freddie!
11

TractorCam added 12:23 - Jan 16 Would be a decent signing, capable of scoring goals so certainly a good back up option
1

smithy91 added 12:23 - Jan 16 14 goals for struggling Col U. With striker specialist TC, worth a punt
5

smithy91 added 12:23 - Jan 16 14 goals for struggling Col U. With striker specialist TC, worth a punt
2

smithy91 added 12:23 - Jan 16 14 goals for struggling Col U. With striker specialist TC, worth a punt
1

Samuelowen88 added 12:24 - Jan 16 Sounds like this could be permenant rather than loan?
0

smithy91 added 12:24 - Jan 16 apologies for 3 posts...glitch on the page Gav
1

smithy91 added 12:24 - Jan 16 apologies for 3 posts...glitch on the page Gav
2

Lord_Mac added 12:24 - Jan 16 Fits our formula perfectly, whether or not we ultimately go up.
1

Michael11 added 12:27 - Jan 16 Just noticed the Billy Sharp link at the bottom too. Reckon he'd be a great one to target if possible!
0

gazzmac4 added 12:27 - Jan 16 I know its a different situation but Dids was bang in form for Cov when we signed him for League 1 and that worked out OK! 14 goals in a struggling team is no mean feat so this looks like a punt worth taking! In Mick we Trust!
4

Garv added 12:27 - Jan 16 Col U supporting mate currently raving about him.
0

walberswicks added 12:29 - Jan 16 Just the right guy to secure that 8th place spot. thanks MEMM. you do know you are allowed to spend more than !0k for a player, they don't have to be all free and loans.
-23

Lightningboy added 12:30 - Jan 16 Got to admit always liked the look of this kid..decent player when at West Ham but didn't get the goals/make the progress that was expected..done well in league 1..worth a punt,can't be anywhere as ineffective as Sammon or Bajner.
1

Marshalls_Mullet added 12:30 - Jan 16 Would rather have Sears than Sharp.
1

emergencylime added 12:30 - Jan 16 Will they take a punt on Taylor in return?
3

town93 added 12:30 - Jan 16 As others have said a very good return for a player in a struggling team! Well worth it, seems to it MM's type of player with working hard, scored a good goals against Cardiff in the FA cup too! Would be happy with this, and very happy with signing him and Sharp!
1

NoCanariesAllowed added 12:31 - Jan 16 I know folks who were raving about this guy when he was a kid at West Ham, said he was gonna be their next England star. Though they said that about Mark Noble as well. If there's only a low fee, it's worth a shot. The guy had great potential at one stage and we know Terry Connor can get the best out of our strikers.
2

pippaine1 added 12:34 - Jan 16 If it happens a much better option than sammon with age on his side, Billy sharp as well would be a Bonus, with both on the Bench gives us a lift Pip
1

Lowestoft_Blue added 12:35 - Jan 16 Near the end of his contract too. Surely they'll accept a small fee. It is Colchester we're talking about!
1

village_blue added 12:38 - Jan 16 I hope that we can send Taylor to Col U in return.
1

LankHenners added 12:41 - Jan 16 I get the impression that he is far too good for Colchester at the moment and seems to be the one spark in their games this season, and they would certainly be doomed without him.
1

Jimmy86 added 12:41 - Jan 16 Gotta say fair play and I love the way Mick goes about his business. Keeps his cards close to his chest and it only comes out when they are being handed the pen to sign their contract. Unlike Jewell, who told every man and his dog who he was after, thus inflating the price
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