FREDDIE Sears has been released by Ipswich Town - fuelling speculation that he could be set to return to Colchester United.

Sears is one of a number of players who have been allowed to leave Town today.

The 31-year-old, who left Colchester six and a half years ago to join Ipswich, was linked with a return to the JobServe Community Stadium in the January transfer window but it did not materialise.

However, the forward has once again been linked with a move to the U's after it became clear he was leaving Portman Road.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Sears made more than 100 league and cup appearances for the U's between 2012 and 2015, scoring 36 goals.

The former West Ham United striker has clocked up 217 appearances for Blues, scoring 34 goals since joining them from Colchester in January, 2015.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Colchester have also been linked with Ipswich duo Luke Chambers (pictured above) and midfielder Cole Skuse, who it has been confirmed today will be leaving the League One club, this summer.

Chambers, 35, joined the Blues on a free transfer from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2012 during Paul Jewell’s time as boss.

The centre-half or right-back went on to make 395 starts and one sub appearance for the Blues, netting 19 times, all but a handful while wearing the captain’s armband.

Skuse (pictured below), also 35, joined Town from Bristol City the following summer, also on a free transfer, and made 268 starts and ten appearances from the bench.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

The pair were key members of the side which reached the Championship play-offs, in 2014/15.

“Chambo and Cole have been exemplary pros for this football club,” boss Paul Cook told the club site.

“Not only are they very good footballers, they are stand-out men in the way they conduct themselves.

“They have been a pleasure to work with in my short time here and you won’t find better role models for young players coming through.

“We thank them for their fantastic service to Ipswich Town Football Club and wish them every success in whatever they do going forward.”