COLCHESTER have distanced themselves from a move for Town centre-back Nathan Clarke.

The Galpharm club’s longest-serving player spent four months on loan to the Essex side last season, making 19 appearances.

But Colchester boss John Ward says it’s “very unlikely” he will try to bring in the 27-year-old on a permanent basis.

Ward, who has played down reports linking Magnus Okuonghae with Charlton, has already brought in one central defender, teenager Tom Eastman from Ipswich, and says he is happy with the others in his squad.

“Magnus Okuonghae is a terrific player and very much part of my plans, and I don’t know where this report has come from,” said Ward, back at the club after a holiday.

“He has been at Lilleshall for two weeks this summer to improve his fitness. I spoke to him before I went away and all he wanted to do was be fit for the start of the season.”

Ward added: “I have Magnus Okuonghae and Pat Baldwin coming back and I have Matt Heath who has signed a new contract.

“We have also brought in young Tom Eastman and we have Tom Bender here already and they need room to play and push on in the team.”

Clarke made his 300th Town appearance, and only one of last season, in the 2-2 League I draw at Carlisle on Boxing Day.