Heath joined the U's on loan in March 2008 (Getty)

Colchester United have made their first signing of the close season by signing Leeds United defender Matt Heath on a permanent basis.

The 26-year-old joined the Essex club on-loan in March but was restricted to just five appearances due to injury.

Heath told BBC Essex: "It was a pretty easy decision to be honest, having been playing down here for the past couple of weeks whilst on loan.

"For them to show interest in wanting to sign me made it pretty easy."