Tony Humes admits Colchester United must move quickly in their attempts to extend Kaspars Gorkss’ spell at the club.

The Latvia international’s short-term deal at the Weston Homes Community Stadium is due to end next week.

And Hartlepool United are among the clubs queuing up alongside the U’s for the experienced defender’s signature.

Humes says the club want to keep Gorkss until at least the end of the current season.

But the U’s boss knows time will be of the essence in their bid to keep the ex-QPR and Blackpool centre-back at the club.

Humes said: “Kaspars has been with us for three games now and we’re looking to extend it, first and foremost until the end of the season.

“We haven’t sat down and talked about it yet but we will do very soon and it’s the same with David Fox.

“We’re trying to get David’s finalised as well and they’re two experienced players who we need and see if we can extend.

“It’s something that we have to nail down pretty quickly.

“I think Kaspars is enjoying his football here - we’ve got two clean sheets in three games and there’s obviously something in that.

“Kaspars’ last game is set to be the Cardiff game, so we’ve got to get something sorted out before then.

“It’s an on-going thing - he has to get used to us but he’s training very well and enjoying his football.

“His attitude is great and is a great example for the young players to see how he goes about his business, day in, day out.

“I’d like to think that he would stay here but that’s a conversation that we’ve got to have.”

Humes believes the Latvia captain could potentially lead the U’s in the future, should he extend his stay with them.

“I don’t see why Kaspars can’t be a future Colchester United captain,” added Humes.

“We want everyone to have those leadership skills to take us forward and you need people like him around.”

For more on this story and all of the latest Colchester United, including a three-page preview of their Boxing Day clash with Gillingham, see Wednesday's Daily Gazette.