Ifil was on loan at Southampton

The six-figure fee involved is undisclosed but Colchester say Ifil, 21, could become their record signing should certain clauses be fulfilled.

Earlier in the day, the U's announced that their �350,000 signing of defender Chris Coyne had broken their record.

Ifil had been on loan at Southampton, who were reportedly keen to sign him during the transfer window.

The player previously had a spell on loan at Millwall and also played five first-team matches for Spurs.