COLCHESTER United always attract their fair share of transfer speculation and players linked to them, in the close season.

But for all clubs in the top-four divisions, this summer's transfer window will be unlike any that has gone before, given the Covid-19 pandemic.

It promises to be an entirely different landscape; deals will be done very differently throughout the EFL, with clubs having to rethink their whole strategy in the wake of the coronavirus crisis and its financial implications.

A date for the summer transfer window opening is yet to be confirmed.

But it will not be before the current season ends, with Championship and League One clubs still playing.

The targets Colchester pursue may well be adjusted due to the financial knock-on effect the virus has had and their academy players may well have an even greater chance of featuring at senior level, next season. Time will tell.

In a statement released in April, chairman Robbie Cowling said: "We will certainly remain competitive as unlike so many other clubs we have a very capable group of Academy players that are ready to step up."

Nevertheless, the U's are likely to be looking for some reinforcements to their squad prior to the 2020-21 campaign getting underway.

And with Frank Nouble and Theo Robinson moving on, the U's are likely to be looking to bolster their striker options once the window opens.

One target they could pursue is Jamille Matt, who has been on their radar before during John McGreal's time in charge.

The 30-year-old has just been released by the U's League Two rivals Newport County, having been out of contract with the Exiles this summer.

Matt has been a bit of a thorn in the side of the U’s over recent years.

The experienced striker has scored against them for three different clubs and bagged Newport's vital equaliser at Forest Green Rovers on the final day of the 2018-19 season that effectively ended the U's play-off hopes for another season.

Newport County striker Dom Poleon is a name mentioned, as is departing Aston Villa striker Rushian Hepburn-Murphy.

Attacker Joel Grant could be a target, following his release from League One-bound Plymouth Argyle.

Grant, who was one of six out-of-contract players not to be offered new terms by the Pilgrims for next season, was linked with a move to Colchester last summer prior to signing a new deal at Home Park.

It is still relative early days in relation to squad building for next season but with the U's aiming to improve on this season if possible, they are likely to be the subject of transfer speculation throughout the coming weeks.