Joe Dunne has reiterated his desire to keep goalkeeper Mark Cousins at Colchester United.

Cousins, who is out of contract this summer, is yet to sign the new deal offered to him by the U’s at the end of last season.

The 27-year-old, who is the longest-serving player in the Colchester squad, did not feature for their first team last season with Sam Walker an ever-present between the sticks.

But U’s boss Dunne is keen for Cousins to stay and challenge Walker for the goalkeeper’s jersey again, next season.

Dunne said: “I spoke to Mark’s agent again last week and both parties know where they stand.

“When you’re a manager, you have to look at what brings out the best in people.

“The partnership Mark and Sam have is a wonderful partnership which is built on trust, along with the goalkeeper coach (Ademola Bankole).

“It’s a wonderful piece of the jigsaw which has been very successful."

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