COLCHESTER United director of football Tony Humes says the interest they have received in George Moncur is “nowhere near” their valuation for the player.

And Humes insists the U’s want to keep hold of the attacking midfielder, despite growing interest from a number of admiring clubs in his services.

Colchester last week reportedly rejected a bid - believed to be in the region of £150,000 - from Charlton Athletic for Moncur, who was the club’s top goalscorer this season with 14 goals.

The former West Ham United youngster, who has a year remaining on his current deal at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, has also been linked with Barnsley, Swindon Town, Peterborough United and MK Dons.

But Colchester are standing by their valuation for their star player with figures mentioned as high as £500,000, although the U’s have not confirmed this.

Humes told the Daily Gazette: “There has been some interest but it’s absolutely nowhere near what we value George at.

“In that respect, I don’t think you can call what we’ve received concrete offers.

“There’s a lot of talk going around but until someone comes in and matches our valuation, nothing will happen.

“George Moncur has had a couple of good years for us at Colchester.

“He still has some improving to do as a young player but he’s been successful for us and been a regular in the team.

“He’s a player of value – he’s under contract to us and we’ve love to keep him and I’m sure he would be very successful in League Two.

“If you look at some of the players we have like George who have played a lot of games, they’re still very young.

“The likes of Sam Walker and Gavin Massey come under the same bracket.

“We have some good players at Colchester and we don’t want to let everyone go.

“It’s been a hard year but we want to be successful and we have ambition.”

Moncur has made 97 appearances for Colchester since joining them from West Ham in 2014, initially on loan, scoring 23 times.

The 22-year-old was the U’s highest appearance-maker this season, featuring in more than 50 league and cup matches.

Colchester will send a full first-team squad to Ryman League division north outfit Maldon and Tiptree for a pre-season friendly in July.

John McGreal will take his U's side to Park Drive to take on the Jammers on Saturday, July 9.