Three heading for Colchester exit

Jackson joined Colchester from Tottenham

Colchester United midfielder Johnnie Jackson has handed in a transfer request while John White and Phil Ifil have been told they can leave the club.

Jackson signed permanently for the U's in 2006 having previously been on loan, and has made 100 League appearances.

Defenders White and Ifil have failed to figure regularly under manager Paul Lambert and have been told they can go.

Lambert told BBC Essex: "Phil's worked hard to get back but won't figure and Johnnie has said he wants to go."

Colchester currently have a squad of 27 professionals but chief executive Steve Bradshaw has not ruled out more signings before the season starts.

"I've been on the phone to a couple of Premier League clubs to talk about bringing in some loan players just to help out those we've got already," Bradshaw said.

However, one player who will not be heading to Essex is Hamilton striker Richard Offiong.

Colchester have already signed his team mate Joel Thomas and were hoping to make it a double swoop, but Offiong failed to arrive at the club to complete the move.