Dean Hammond is talking personal terms with Colchester`s league rivals Southampton and looks set to follow Paul Lambert, who joined Norwich this morning, out of Essex.
The Saints are bottom of League One with a huge points deduction of minus nine, but reports say Hammond will confirm his move within the next 24 hours.
Talks are at an advanced stage, according to Sky Sports, between the two sides.
The information is thought to have been revealed at the U`s press conference this afternoon in which Colchester admitted City will have to pay compensation for poaching the club`s ex-manager.
Lambert sensationally left the club this morning and was announced as the new Norwich manager shortly after 10 AM.
Hammond, 26, is a terrace favourite at the Weston Homes Community Stadium. 
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I can’t take much more of this and it’s only just happening right now!
Worst day of my life! lol Up the U’s!