Rumour: Williams Transfer Involves Swap?

Colchester United and Carlisle fans are predicting that the "complication" over the deal for goalkeeper Ben Williams is it involves a player swap deal.

Carlisle manager Greg Abbott virtually gave away the hint when saying the switch would "benefit" the club on the official website today, and said the information would be made public tomorrow.

News of any transfer for Williams only became public yesterday, and Carisle confirmed this monring that the U's were already discussing the move with the player.

Although several fans think the player going the other way may be 25-year-old striker Scott Vernon, who will probably leave the club if the right offer comes in, it could also be a goalie.

Abbott said he had already found a replacement, should Williams depart, which seems conveniently quick.

Since Colchester's Mark Counins recently signed a new deal, that leaves only 25-year-old Dean Gerken as possible goalie bait.

Given that the U`s stopper has played more than 100 game for the club and is liked among supporters, that potential swap would not please some Colchester fans.

The other speculation, that Vernon, who spent some of last season away on loan with Northampton, is ready to return to the north could be true.

He has had a fairly miserable eighteen months since he returned full-time at Colchester in 2008, following an earlier loan spell.

Vernon has already played for Blackpool and Oldham up north, and cost Colchester around £100,000.

Other possible candidates for the presumed swap could be any player that hinted by manager Paul Lambert as surplus to requirements, which means at least five players.

Defenders Matt Heath, Matt Lockwood or Phil Ifil are known as unwanted and in midfield, the boss has had that young winger Medy Elio may leave, while up front Jamie Guy is another possible.

The hold-up in agreeing Williams' transfer could be then that the player involved from Colchester has yet to talk personal terms.


Truth or rubbish? And who will the player be?

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