Colchester United have entered the race for former Swindon Town and Charlton Athletic midfielder Jack Payne, but face competition from League One and the MLS. 

Payne was released by Charlton Athletic at the end of the most recent season and has attracted offers from a host of League One and League Two clubs including Swindon Town and MK Dons. However, Danny Cowley’s side have moved ahead in the race, but face late interest from the league above and abroad.

The midfielder is well known to the Cowley brothers who know him from their time at Lincoln City, where he will be reunited with a familiar core of former Imps men, including Harry Anderson and Tom Hopper.

Whilst the interest is advancing, no deal has been signed yet, with a decision expected soon.

The 29-year-old spent last season on loan at MK Dons scoring seven times in 44 appearances, as they failed to win promotion through the play-offs. The Dons had been keen to bring the player back, however, with a whole host of options on the table Payne opted to take his time making a decision.

He has previously had spells at Southend United, Bradford City, Oxford United, Huddersfield Town and Blackburn Rovers as well as the previously mentioned clubs.

Sources have indicated to The Deck that Colchester are firmly interested in signing the player, despite late League One and MLS interest.

A good move for Jack Payne and Colchester United?

The Cowley brothers know Payne well and played regularly for the Imps prior to Huddersfield Town poaching the Lincoln manager.

He has already demonstrated he has what it takes to perform in a play-off pushing side in League Two, having already done so with both Swindon Town and MK Dons. It would certainly be a show of intent for the ambitious club, who are hopeful of improving on their dismal season last year.

With players he already knows, and has previously played with already at the club it should take little time to bed in.