Halford Return? U's Need £1 Million

Greg Halford could end a miserable year of being shunned by Premier League sides and make a return to Colchester United if the U`s are willing pay Sunderland £1 million.

His manager Roy Keane conceded recently that he would listen to offers for the defended and the Irishman is willing to make a loss of up to £2.5 million to offload him, and a return to Essex could be ideal for the man who has endured a torrid time since first joining Reading nearly 12 months ago.

"There has been a bit of interest in Greg and we will have a look at that," admitted Keane recently - such interest included speculation that Colchester owner Robbie Cowling would be willing to triple Halford`s current salary to bring him back to Layer Road.

"If something comes up that is good for us and good for him, we will consider it. There have been no formal offers yet, though," added Keane, although Crystal Palace and Charton have also been suggested as possible next destinations.

Halford has publically asked for a run of games and still claims he wants to stay with the Black Cats, although it would seem Keane has already decided to sell the 23-year-old.

"I need a run of games, six or seven matches in the team, but the manager wants performances straight away and I haven`t really been giving them," said Halford.

"I`m out of the team for that reason and that reason alone. I`ve just got to show him what I can do in training and get back in the team.

"I don`t go out to play badly on purpose but I am my own worst critic. I do criticise myself a lot and I do think about things maybe a bit too much. But I think that`s a good thing for me and I only want to make myself better.

"It`s hard to say if I`m improving as a player this season because I haven`t really had a consistent run of games for nearly a year now so until I get a run of games under my belt I can`t really comment on that," he added.