Mark Bonner provides an update on Cambridge United’s transfer business

Mark Bonner has confirmed that Cambridge United will sign another defender before the end of the summer transfer window.

The U’s head coach only has two senior options available at centre-back, captain Greg Taylor and new arrival Lloyd Jones. While the likes of Paul Digby are capable of dropping into defence when required, it’s clear that the club need to increase their squad depth before the end of the transfer window.

Speaking to Prost International, Bonner outlined his intentions for the rest of the transfer window.

“The definite area that we’re bringing someone in is someone who can play right-back and centre-half, can cover both positions and add competition. We don’t want to leave ourselves light in those areas, so that’ll be a good one for us to try and add. Hopefully the one that we end up bringing in can cover both of those areas.

“The centre-back issue is ongoing at the moment. Obviously there’s lots of options available. Everyone’s after them, everyone’s after the same positions really.

“A lot of the big clubs are holding onto their younger players for longer because of Covid and because of the Euros, so we just have to bide our time a little bit there. The loan market is slower this year I think, so that’ll probably take a bit of time but we’ll get there.”

The need for defensive reinforcements became evident in Saturday’s 0-0 draw against recently relegated Northampton Town, as Jones was withdrawn through injury just minutes after the half-time break. As a result, Digby was moved into centre-back alongside Taylor, allowing Liam O’Neil to partner Adam May in midfield.

However, Bonner was keen to reassure the fans that their new signing would be available for next weekend’s game against Oxford United.

“It’s not a nasty one at all, he’s absolutely fine. He’s had a bit of a spasm in his neck in the last couple of days so he was never going to do 90 minutes today. Once he had a wrestling match on the halfway line, I think it sort of kicked in a little bit. He’ll be absolutely fine. I’m sure he’ll be training on Monday and Tuesday.

“It only highlights it (the lack of centre-backs) to everyone else watching, but we knew that Digby was going to go in there at some point today. It doesn’t make any more emphasis on us – we know we’ve got to do it and we will do.”

While the hunt for a new defender continues, Cambridge have managed to increase their depth in the goalkeeping department. Will Mannion, who spent the last week on trial with U’s, has now signed for the club on a permanent basis.

The 24-year-old joined Cypriot side Pafos after leaving Hull City last summer but has now returned to England to compete with Dimitar Mitov and Kai McKenzie-Lyle for the number one spot at The Abbey.

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