John Ward is set to step up his search for a new loan signing.

But the Colchester United manager has ruled out any move for former Southend United attacker Francis Laurent.

Ward has decided against signing the Frenchman, having invited the free agent to train with his squad last week.

However, he is keen to bolster his attacking options with what is likely to be another forward, in the coming days.

David Mooney and Kayode Odejayi are the U's only recognised strikers who are currently fit, with Steven Gillespie still some way short of match fitness following his ankle injury.

In addition, Ward feels his team are currently not clinical enough in the final third, something that was evident in their 1-1 draw with Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.

Ward said: “I'm looking around the loan side of it to see if I can get one in.

“I've let Francis go, simply because I think he's a good four to six weeks behind everyone in terms of general fitness and I can't wait."