COLCHESTER United are weighing up the option of both loan and permanent signings in this month’s transfer window.

The U’s are on the lookout for a new forward following the departure of striker Luke Norris to League Two rivals Stevenage, last week.

Colchester do have some cash to spend following the exit of Norris, who had been contracted at the JobServe Community Stadium until the end of the season.

But the U’s say they may opt to bring in a loanee this month, depending on the suitability of the deal.

They have been linked with a move for their former strikers Freddie Sears and Theo Robinson, during the current window.

Colchester boss Steve Ball said: “Generally, we’re looking at the possibility of both permanent and loan signings.

“There’s been some money freed up with Luke going but we have to be so careful with how we spend it - if we can spend it.

“I’m positive that we’ll be able to bring somebody in.

“Whether that’s a short-term loan or a permanent, a lot of players want their future secured because of the climate.

“Whether the club can give that to players these days not knowing what might happen in the next week or two weeks, it’s difficult on both sides.

“But it’s something where we’re looking at both angles of it.”

Colchester have 'targets' in place to boost their fire power, during this month’s transfer window.

Ball revealed to the Gazette last week that they are regularly in talks with players, agents and clubs about bringing in new signings, to the JobServe Community Stadium.

Meanwhile Ball says the U’s were able to go ‘back to basics’ on the training ground last week, during their break between fixtures.

Colchester’s last two games against Tranmere Rovers and Salford City have both been postponed, allowing them to spend more time working on finer details at Florence Park.

"It's been so good because it's just been like a whirlwind of games, for the last few weeks,” said Ball.

"To get a solid week of training in just feels really good and we feel really prepared.

"I felt like a coach last week; I've got in more detail last week than I have for a long time.

"It's something that I've missed as a coach and we've stripped it right back, going on the fine detail like shape, set pieces, throws, corners, everything.

"We've just gone back to basics and it's been a really, really productive.”