The window closes at 7pm on Monday 2nd February

[morganb]

Apprently we were looking at Kieron Morgan from QPR but DKs injury made the winger position priority.

https://x.com/i/status/2018992507418550766

[Sutekh]

Reading had ex-Palace defender Joel Ward on trial but decided against his signing in the end, Joel subsequently joined Swansea.

[Pepe the Horseman]

Reading had ex-Palace defender Joel Ward on trial but decided against his signing in the end, Joel subsequently joined Swansea.

He signed for Swansea on January 9th, so this must've been a while ago.

[Clyde1998]

Apprently we were looking at Kieron Morgan from QPR but DKs injury made the winger position priority.

https://x.com/i/status/2018992507418550766

I think he's an attacking midfielder, so would've provided competition for Doyle with Elliott injured. Still think we needed a winger over an attacking midfielder though.

[Clyde1998]

Reading had ex-Palace defender Joel Ward on trial but decided against his signing in the end, Joel subsequently joined Swansea.

He signed for Swansea on January 9th, so this must've been a while ago.

I imagine we decided Nyambe would be a better option instead. Ward is 36 after all, so would've been a very temporary option. There's a chance Nyambe could sign for us next season depending on the finances involved and whether we consider his performances good enough this season.

[Clyde1998]

There's a headline you don't expect to see...

Investment group including former AC Milan and Brazil forward Alexandre Pato who were in talks to take over Colchester United blocked the sale of Kyreece Lisbie to Reading FC, the Chronicle understands.

Reading FC had been pushing hard to secure the services of winger Kyreece Lisbie on Deadline Day during the January transfer window, after it was revealed that Daniel Kyerewaa's injury would leave him out the squad for longer than anticipated.

The Chronicle revealed at the time that an initial bid had been rejected but that the club ultimately pushed to meet Colchester's valuation with their second bid being accepted. An estimated fee of between £500-750K is Colchester's current asking price, it was also understood that Oxford United were looking to hijack the deal at the eleventh hour with Luton Town also having held interest.

The deal fell through at the eleventh hour when it was understood that Colchester United decided against selling the player.

The Chronicle understand that Sports Alpha Capital (SAC), the investment consortium managed by Joao Xavier and including Alexandre Pato, were reluctant to let any players outgoing in the January transfer window, as part of their plans to take-over Colchester United and to keep hold of 'valuable assets'.

Chairman-owner Robbie Cowling put the club up for sale last year but a deal with the the US-based Lightwell Sports Group fell through in June.

The sale process was reopened three months later with Cowling saying he would take whatever time was needed to "find the right long-term steward" for the club.

SAC were close to acquiring the club, but in February in a joint statement both parties said: "Aspire Media Group has decided not to proceed with the proposed acquisition of Colchester United by Sports Alpha Capital (SAC), the investment consortium managed by Joao Xavier and including Alexandre Pato. Accordingly, discussions have concluded.

"SAC will continue to explore future opportunities within English football while maintaining a lasting respect and affection for Colchester United and its supporters.

"Colchester United remains focused on the remainder of the season and its ongoing ambitions for progress and success."

The involvement of Pato, who won 27 caps for Brazil and was in their squad for the London 2012 Olympics, had excited the interest of U's fans.

It is not known whether there are other investment groups still in the running.

The takeover is being overseen by American consultant Mitchell B Reiss on behalf of the club.