Colchester United have opened contract talks with leading goalscorer Freddie Sears.

And the U’s are also in negotiations with goalkeeper Sam Walker about extending his stay at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Sears, who was Colchester’s top goalscorer last season, has been in impressive form for Tony Humes’ side this season.

The former West Ham United striker has hit the net eight times and has scored four in his last six matches.

Meanwhile, Walker has enhanced his reputation after joining Colchester on a permanent basis from Chelsea, last January.

The duo, along with a number of other key players such as Sanchez Watt and skipper Magnus Okuonghae, are out of contract at the end of the season.

Colchester have already tied the likes of Gavin Massey and Tom Eastman to longer deals, over recent weeks.

And now they are keen for the likes of Sears and Walker to follow suit, preferably before the transfer window reopens in January.

U’s boss Humes said: “Talks are underway – Freddie is out of contract at the end of the season so we’ll wait and see what happens.

“And an offer has gone in to Sam Walker for the next two years.

“Sam is looking at that and making his decision and we’re hopeful that they both will commit to us.”

For more on this story and a three-page preview of the U’s game at Swindon Town tomorrow, see Friday’s Daily Gazette.