COLCHESTER United are set to sign front-runner Ashley Vincent from Cheltenham Town this morning.The U's have been vying with League One rivals MK Dons to snap up the pacey 23-year-old striker-cum-winger, and it seems that the Essex club have won the race.

Carl Marston

COLCHESTER United are set to sign front-runner Ashley Vincent from Cheltenham Town this morning.

The U's have been vying with League One rivals MK Dons to snap up the pacey 23-year-old striker-cum-winger, and it seems that the Essex club have won the race.

They will initially sign Vincent on loan, for the remainder of this season, before the move becomes permanent this summer when the transfer window reopens.

Vincent is therefore poised to link up with his former Cheltenham team-mate Steven Gillespie at the Community Stadium, if he passes a medical today. Gillespie switched from Cheltenham to Colchester for a club record �400,000 fee last summer.

The Robins are in financial strife and have therefore put all their players up for sale. Ironically, they secured their first win in 17 games on Saturday, beating Hartlepool 2-0 at Whaddon Road.

Oldbury-born Vincent came up through the youth ranks at Wolverhampton, but moved to Cheltenham without making an appearance for Wanderers during the summer of 2004.

He can operate down either the right or left flank, although his preferred position is up front, where he can run at defenders. He has bagged six goals this season.

Vincent will be eligible on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling when the window reopens, because he does not celebrate his 24th birthday until May 26.

He is currently sidelined by a knee injury so, even if he does sign today, he will not be involved in the U's match at league leaders Leicester City this Saturday.