Cowling: No approaches for Tierney

Colchester United say they have had no approaches for defender Marc Tierney, reportedly a target for Norwich boss Paul Lambert. Reports over the weekend claimed City were one of a number of clubs interested in the 24-year-old - signed by Lambert when he was Us manager in January last year.

Colchester United say they have had no approaches for defender Marc Tierney, reportedly a target for Norwich boss Paul Lambert.

Reports over the weekend claimed City were one of a number of clubs interested in the 24-year-old - signed by Lambert when he was Us manager in January last year.

Coventry - now managed by another ex-Us boss, Aidy Boothroyd - Sheffield United and Middlesbrough have also been linked with Tierney.

But Colchester chairman Robbie Cowling says he hopes Tierney will accept what Colchester have put on the table.

"Obviously Marc is in the last year of his contract," said Cowling. "Again, we've offered him improved terms and hopefully he's going to accept those and stay with the club."

However, if Tierney fails to agree to those terms, Colchester are willing to sell.

New Us boss John Ward praised Tierney's contribution last season, saying: "He's aggressive, he wants to go forward, he wants to do all the right things you want from a player."

Another possible City target emerged yesterday, with reports in the NorthEast linking them with a loan move for young Newcastle striker Nile Ranger.