Lockwood: I'm NOT a Southend Fan

Colchester United transfer target Matt Lockwood has dismissed speculation that he is a Southend fan.

Last week, various reports claimed that Lockwood was set to snub a move to the U's in favour of a move to the Shrimpers. This came as talks between the U's and Lockwood seem to have stalled after his current club, Nottingham Forest, accepted a £100,000 bid for the full-back.

The former Leyton Orient hero revealed to The Colchester Gazette that he had been impressed by what U's boss Geraint Williams had to say.

He said: '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.'

Lockwood said he was keen to get his future sorted out: '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.'

Despite being born and bred in Southend, Lockwood concluded he was not a Shrimpers fan. He said: 'I was born and bred in Southend and it's where I've lived.

'I'm a local lad and I watched them when I was younger - but I'm certainly not a Southend fan.'

So is Lockwood going to sign some time soon? Or is this deal going to drag on? We want to know YOUR thoughts?