COLCHESTER United head coach Steve Ball has not ruled out the possibility of adding new faces to his squad – outside of the transfer window.

The U’s drafted in former Manchester United youngster Josh Bohui on a free transfer earlier this month.

They have also cast their eye over trialists in Professional Development League Two, over recent weeks.

There are presently a greater number of free agents looking for clubs in the EFL, owing to the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on clubs.

And U’s boss Ball says he would consider bolstering his squad with a free transfer – providing it is the right deal for the club.

Ball said: “It’s a never-ending process.

“We’ve got a good recruitment structure at our club and we’re on the pulse of everything.

“I’ve got free agents calling every day via agents and that never stops.

“If ever one takes a fancy then it’s something that I’ll speak to the recruitment team about and in turn the chairman and it’s something we’re always looking at.

“There are some really good players who are free agents.

“They’ve probably waited this long probably turning down other offers earlier in the window hoping something will come up but the market has been devastated by the pandemic.

“I’m sure there will be more movement with the market so full of players – it’s a crazy market right now.

“We’ve had some boys in on trial and there’s a real evidence of them not being up to speed.

“Much as home training and fitness training is good, it’s never going to replicate the real thing and that’s a big part of it now.”

Meanwhile, Ball says he is not afraid to swap his wingers and play them on different flanks, this season.

The likes of Callum Harriott, Kwame Poku and Courtney Senior have been utilized on both the left and right wings, over recent games.

“I’m going to keep moving that around,” added Ball.

“I think the beauty of having really talented, wide players is if they’re playing on their wrong side, they’re coming into goal on their strong foot.

“That’s a key part of it and they’re getting shots in on goal or going outside on their strong side.

“I feel very much as though we have the players who can adapt to that and that’s my plan, moving forward to keep on changing.”