Sam Walker admits his future as a Colchester United player rests on what Chelsea have planned for him.

Walker’s loan with the U’s is due to expire next month, with boss Joe Dunne keen to keep him at the Weston Homes Community Stadium for longer.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper will this month hold talks with Chelsea, where his current contract expires at the end of the season.

And the popular shot-stopper concedes what is decided in those meetings will dictate where he plays his football, in the second half of this season and beyond.

Walker said: “I don’t know anything as yet and it’ll be more around what Chelsea want to do.

“We’ll have some talks with Chelsea over the next couple of weeks, because my contract there is up at the end of the season.

“Once I know what’s going on there, I’ll be able to act accordingly.”

Walker, who is currently in his second loan spell at Colchester, says he enjoys playing for the club.

However, he admitted that he would have to consider a move to a club in a higher division on loan, if the opportunity arose.

“Everyone wants to play at the highest level they can and I’ve never held that back,” said Walker, who has been an ever-present for Colchester so far this season.

“I love playing for the club and I’ve loved my time here.

“I love the fans and everything about it - I’m very comfortable here and I’d have no problem playing here for as long as I need to.

“But everyone wants to play at the highest level and if someone came in, then I’d have to look at.

“I’m just concentrating on a big month for us.”

Chelsea’s reserve-team goalkeeping coach Mark Beeney recently visited tbe U’s Florence Park training ground to meet with Walker and boss Dunne.

“The gaffer here had a long chat with Mark and the feedback was really positive and he’s also been to watch a lot of our games.

“I’m happy and that helps me, because it means I can go out and play my game.

“I’ve not really thought too much about my future past this season.

“With not really knowing what the contract situation is at Chelsea, I’ve not thought too much about it and I’m just concentrating on playing games.”

For all of the latest Colchester United news, see the Daily Gazette.