Kyreece Lisbie looks set to stay at Colchester United this window after his move to Reading fell at the final hurdle.
The Royals were tipped to seal a deal with the Essex side over the winger, after an improved offer was accepted to beat Luton Town and Oxford United to a deal.
Cowley Pulls Plug
In a new report from Reading Chronicle reporter Ramy Abou-Setta, Reading have seen the deal for Lisbie collapse in the final stages after Colchester opted against a sale.
Despite initial agreements from United, they have since pulled the plug on a deal after weighing up their options, with the 22-year-old now on course to remain in League Two with under two hours remaining of Deadline Day.
Having previously been pursued by Belgian side Zulte Waregem earlier in the window, Lisbie was up for a move to Reading, having picked them over Luton and Oxford as his preferred destination prior to the club’s decision.
The winger has been a stalwart for Colchester United’s promotion push, scoring 10 times and providing four assists across 28 matches, which puts him top of the club’s contribution charts.
United Attack Remains Intact
In a worrying January window for Colchester United’s promotion hopes, Danny Cowley has seemingly managed to keep all of his key players at the Jobserve Community Stadium.
Micah Mbick was a possible departure earlier in the window, having been relentlessly pursued by Brighton who submitted a £3.5 million bid to parent club Charlton Athletic.
Now, Kyreece Lisbie looks set to remain in Essex, with his goal contributions vital to keeping United in touch with a very competitive race for a playoff finish.
What reason caused Colchester to cancel the move remains to be seen, but they have likely secured a top talent for the remainder of the campaign, who, alongside the rest of the forward lin,e could put their side into the promotion picture.
For Reading, their next steps must be made quickly if they need to recruit a new winger now, but this is certainly a move that could be resumed in the summer.
