Magnus Okuonghae

INTEREST might be heating up with regards Colchester United’s much-prized defender, Magnus Okunoghae, but manager John Ward has received no bids to date.

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Okuonghae is out of contract this summer, and has been a consistent performer for the U’s since his move from Essex neighbours Dagenham & Redbridge in the summer of 2009.

He was linked with a string of Championship clubs earlier on this season, and it is no surprise that the 25-year-old centre-half has again become the focus of attention during the January transfer window.

Championship clubs Burnley, Crystal Palace and Millwall are all reported to have been tracking Okuonghae, as have Premier League outfit Norwich City and League One leaders Charlton.

Yet Ward insisted, during yesterday’s press conference: “There has been no interest in any of my players going out, and I am OK with that.”

Okuonghae will continue his partnership with Tom Eastman in the heart of defence against Chesterfield tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Ward revealed that Togo international striker, Thomas Dossevi, has left the Essex club after a short trial.

Ex-Swindon Town 32-year-old Dossevi had been training with the U’s for a few days, on the look-out for a new club.

“He is not staying at the football club. He has moved on,” confirmed Ward.

“I was trying to get a game for him in the week, to have a really good look at him, but we couldn’t manage that.

“Thomas fell into the category of a senior striker, which I was looking for, but then Gavin (Massey) came up and I wanted to do that one.

“I like young, hungry players,” added Ward.

The U’s boss also dismissed reports that he was interested in signing winger Jennison Myrie-Williams, on a loan deal from Stevenage.

Ward explained: “I get linked with Jennison wherever I go, because I had him at Bristol (City).

“But I am not looking to bring him in here.”