COLCHESTER United have stepped up their search for a new full-back with Kane Vincent-Young on the verge of joining Ipswich Town.

The U’s are looking to replace the talented defender, who is set to join their League One neighbours after a fee was agreed between the two clubs.

Vincent-Young is not expected to complete his move to Town today, with the transfer, which is reported to be worth in the region of £500,000, likely to be finalised over the weekend or on Monday.

Vincent-Young’s exit could leave Colchester short of options in the full-back area, especially if their appeal to overturn Cohen Bramall’s red card following his dismissal against Swindon Town is unsuccessful.

The U’s will find out today if Bramall has avoided a three-match ban but boss John McGreal says they are already planning for the future, ahead of the transfer window closing on September 2.

McGreal said: “You don’t want your best players to go but you know where we are with the club.

“Robbie (Cowling), Jon (De Souza) and Tony (Humes) deal with that side of it; we’re just looking for the next boy to come in, whether it’s an under-23 player to come in to fill that void or a player like Cohen Bramall.

“There’s big meetings with recruitment again now, just to see where we are with a few names.”

Vincent-Young spent time on trial with Town during pre-season ahead of the 2018/19 campaign but wasn't offered a deal and ended up signing a new two-year contract at Colchester.

He was not involved in the U’s 3-0 triumph over Swindon, which booked them a trip to play Premier League side Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup second round.

Vincent-Young spent time training with Ipswich last summer during Paul Hurst’s brief spell in charge but a move did not materialise.

McGreal said: “They had a look at him last summer and football’s strange like that – it’s obviously a different manager there this time.

“It was Paul Hurst last year and now it’s Paul Lambert.

“He was decent the year before last (2017-18) but after the season he had last year, he caught the eye of a few of the bigger clubs.

“There have been other big clubs from higher divisions looking at Kane this year, as well and we’ve lost one or two others to the Championship.

“I know Ipswich myself – I was there for five years and it’s a huge, huge club when he gets that going and Paul (Lambert) seems to be doing that with the fans as well.”

Colchester are hoping to have Bramall available for their home clash with Cambridge United, on Saturday.

The former Arsenal youngster was sent off against Swindon following a touchline altercation with Robins striker Jerry Yates, who was also dismissed.

“Both teams have decided to appeal," added McGreal.

“Tony (Humes) has been on to that to try and put a report in so we’re hoping we’ll have an answer by tomorrow (Friday).

“The more that we’ve delved into the video, we’ve got a lot closer with the footage and we’ve had a good chat with the chairman (Robbie Cowling) and Tony.

“I think Swindon have done exactly the same as well, so we thought it was wise as well.”