Hammond Off To U`s?

Colchester United could sign Brighton skipper Dean Hammond by the end of January as he continues to stall on signing a new contract with the Seagulls.

The 24-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and an unnamed Championship club, named by Brighton`s local press as Colchester, are on the verge of offering him a fresh start.

Brighton`s chairman Dick Knight has already told the media within the last 24 hours that the club will attempt to sell the player, rather than lose him on a Bosman free transfer, because he remains unwilling to accept what his current club see as an excellent offer.

Hammond is said to be unsure that Brighton will secure a place in the Championship and publically stated yesterday through his agent that he wishes to further his career at a higher level.

"Personally I don't think it helps the player or the club to be conducting negotiations in public. Nonetheless the situation will be resolved in the next few days, because the club will not be held to ransom," said Knight.

"If Dean is unwilling to accept his excellent new deal, the club will reluctantly be forced to make him available for transfer."