Colchester United face competition from Leeds for the signature of Hull City centre-back Damien Delaney.
The U`s, who had an offer believed to be in excess of 400k rejected by the Tigers over the weekend, are tracking the Irishman in a bid to solve their current defensive problems.
Now Leeds are also primed to make a bid for the former Leicester City player as they aim find a route back to the Championship.
Delaney, who can also play at left-back and in midfield, has lost his place in Phil Brown`s starting XI to ex-Colchester man Wayne Brown.
Negotiations between the U`s and Hull are believed to be ongoing and Geraint Williams is said to be preparing a second, higher, offer to test Hull`s resolve.