Colchester United chairman Robbie Cowling has confirmed Town's bid for U's striker Kevin Lisbie and that his club have offered the former Charlton man a new contract to try to keep the 29-year-old in Essex.

Cowling told Colchester's official site: "Negotiations are taking place between ourselves, Ipswich Town and Kevin but, at the present time, nothing has been fully resolved.

"We have been doing everything in our power to keep Kevin at the club, because we obviously know he is a proven goalscorer for us and will be an asset to the squad this season.

"The squad we have here at Colchester United is a strong one and we want to keep it that way as we look to return to the Championship at the first time of asking.

"Unfortunately, due to the ongoing discussions, Kevin won't be involved in our first friendly at Tiptree United this evening."

Town are believed to have made a bid of around £600,000 for Lisbie, who has already undergone a medical at Portman Road.

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