Colchester United head coach John McGreal admits players will have to leave the club before they make any additions, in next month’s transfer window.

The U’s are assessing their transfer options ahead of the window opening at midnight next Monday, with the future of several of their loan players still up in the air.

Kyel Reid, Brandon Comley and Brandon Hanlan have all featured regularly in Colchester’s starting line-up since arriving at the Weston Homes Community Stadium in August but will all see their current loan deals expire, in January.

The U’s have already allowed striker Nicke Kabamba to return to his parent club Portsmouth, while Sanmi Odelusi has been told his short-term deal will not be renewed when it expires on Sunday.

McGreal said: “We have got to get players out before we get players in – I do know that.

“That means players going out on loan or going permanently.

“We have to do the business we’re trying to do and look to try and get players out to generate a bit of money to bring players in."