Colchester United have turned down late offers for one of their influential midfielders, as the battle to retain his signature continues.
Danny Cowley’s side have had a good start to the 2026/27 campaign, losing narrowly to a strong Southampton side in the EFL Cup before picking up seven points from their opening three league matches.
As a result, the club are fourth in the League Two standings, remaining unbeaten thus far ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Bristol Rovers.
However, eyes will be on one of their key midfielders during the final hours of the transfer market.
Colchester turn down double bid for midfielder
Since he arrived at the League Two side in 2024, playmaker Jack Payne has been a standout feature in Danny Cowley’s system – suggesting it isn’t a surprise that clubs are making offers to prize him away.
The 31-year-old has hit double figures for goal contributions in each of his previous six seasons – despite featuring for several clubs throughout that time.
In 95 appearances for the club so far, Payne has contributed to 40 goals and has been an ever-present feature.
However, journalist Pete O’Rourke has reported that in the days leading up to the end of the transfer window, Colchester have turned down two bids for the midfielder from unnamed sides.
What we do know, is that both bids came from rival League Two clubs – though no figure was revealed by O’Rourke during his report.
This season, Payne has featured in all four of Colchester’s matches across all competitions and has contributed to a goal during a draw against Accrington Stanley.
Is an exit likely in the final hours?
With Colchester making the trip to Bristol Rovers on Tuesday and Payne highly likely to be involved, an exit would likely be extremely unlikely unless a substantial fee was offered to the club.
Even then, with it being so late in the transfer window, it is unlikely that the club would have the time to source a solid replacement – especially knowing the only bids they’ve received are from rival fourth-tier sides, meaning they’d benefit from the move.
Payne is entering the final 12 months of his contract with the League Two side, which does create a counter-argument that this would be their final opportunity to receive a substantial fee for the 31-year-old unless he extends his stay.
However, with the club likely pursuing promotion back to League One this season, it would suggest that Colchester are unlikely to consider any offers for their star creator between now and Tuesday’s 11pm deadline.
