U's still hoping for Holroyd move

Cambridge United manager Gary Brabin still believes that Chris Holroyd will be joining the Blue Square Premier outfit ahead of the new season.

The U's have agreed a fee for the young striker, but a failure to settle on personal terms may quash the deal.

"We've agreed a fee, but at the moment his agent isn't returning anyone's calls, so we don't know where we are with him," Brabin told Cambridge News.

"Chris is someone I've seen on a few occasions. He's a young, quick and exciting forward, but we know there are a few other clubs interested in him.

"We've got a good relationship with the people at Chester and they're prepared to work with me, but it has leaked out and alerted other clubs. We haven't given up hope yet, but we aren't as confident as we were."

Bringing in a quality striker is a top priority for Brabin, and whilst Holroyd is his first choice, he has his eye on a number of other players, should the deal for the 22-year-old fall through.

"We're speaking to people all the time because I'm interested in bringing people who will add quality to the squad.

"I don't like to leak anything, though, because it's not fair on the other club," he added.

Former Manchester United and Liverpool striker Ramon Calliste is likely to be given a another chance to impress in the U's clash with Everton on Saturday.

Brabin also expressed his interest in bringing Josh Simpson to the club from rivals Cambridge City. The midfielder previously represented the U's during the 2006-07 season.

"We've expressed an interest in him and I think he's interested in coming back to the club, but it's still early days at the moment."