Tommy Carter has moved a step closer to joining the ranks of Bermuda's professional footballers.

The US-based player, who is attracting interest from a host of British clubs, enjoyed a successful trial game at Colchester United two weeks ago.

As a result of that match, in which he scored one goal and set up a second, boss of the English Second Division side, Steve Whitton, has offered the 24-year-old a one month deal.

Colchester, located on the eastern side of the country, are currently riding high having taken 13 points from their opening six games. They are currently second in the table behind Brentford.

A spokesman for the club told the Royal Gazette: "The situation is Tommy played in a specially organised trial

game between our youth and reserves side recently, scoring a goal for the reserves. He then flew back to America.

"I have spoken to Steve Whitton today (and) he said that he is currently discussing things with Tommy's agent."

The spokesman said both Whitton and his assistant Geraint Williams had talked over the way they would take the matter forward.

"They agreed that they would offer Tommy a month's trial, provided that the player would accept the offer the

put on the table for that month: ie a certain amount for expenses etc, plus digs (accommodation).

So ... the ball is back in Tommy's court, (it's a case of) whether he'd be prepared to come over for that month on the terms we're offering."

Armand Watts, who has been acting for the player while he is in Virginia, said though Carter had had a trial with Third Division Bristol Rovers and there had been reported interest from Aberdeen and Motherwell in Scotland, the player had decided where he wanted to go.

"Tommy has made up his mind, he wants to go to Colchester," Watts said. "We have informed Colchester of this.They say they need to see him again and we are suggesting that they can take Tommy on a short term contract of just under a month.

"We will allow this if they are in agreement to his basic terms - a short term basic wage nothing fancy - because we absolutely 100 percent sure that Tommy will deliver .This could be ideal if all parties are prepared work together to make it happen."

Watts said he had absolute faith in his client.

"Tommy Carter is an excellent prospect and with a hard working and impressive club like Colchester United he can become a truly great player," he said.

Watts said he hoped that by the end of the day all of the negotiations would have been completed.

"We understand that Steve Whitton will speak to the Chairman after (Saturday's) game.We have to wait and see what Colchester United are putting forward. We feel they understand our position and hope we can get this show on the road by Monday," he said.