U's transfer target Hogan Ephraim could have been lining up against the Layer Road side for the second time this season, if Neil Warnock had had his way.

The U's had been hoping for a return for the West Ham man, but he rejected a switch to north Essex - and South London, it appears.

Speaking to the Croydon Guardian, Warnock said: "I was disappointed with yesterday - over the last two weeks we've been after five or six players and made good offers but had no success, said Warnock.

"I spoke to Hogan Ephraim but I didn't get a call back.

"With us being in a precarious position players may be a little reluctant to come - but they shouldn't because it's a fantastic club."