Colchester have rejected a substantial bid for defender Junior Tchamadeu from an unnamed Championship club.
Tchamadeu, 19, is regarded as one of the best young prospects in the EFL with a number of clubs higher up the pyramid keen on the right-back.
A mystery Championship club have tabled an offer for Tchamadeu as they look to tie up a deal before Tuesday's transfer deadline, but League Two strugglers Colchester have turned down the bid as they want to keep hold of Tchamadeu.