Colchester United have reportedly rejected two offers from a League Two rival for Jack Payne, the former Swindon Town fan favourite who joined the club in 2024. The 29-year-old attacking midfielder has made just shy of 100 appearances for Colchester United since his arrival, having previously been a key man during Ben Garner's tenure at Swindon Town. Payne was one of the outstanding players during Swindon's behind-closed-doors relegation from League One during the pandemic and was a star of Ben Garner's playoff run in 2021/22. His contract expired at the end of the 2021/22 season before he followed Ben Garner to Charlton Athletic, before joining Milton Keynes Dons and eventually finding a home at Colchester. Pete O'Rourke said: "Colchester have already had to fend off two bids from a league rival for Payne." The identity of the bidding club has not been revealed, but Colchester will be hoping to see Jack Payne reach a century of appearances for the club. Colchester boss Danny Cowley has previously said that the club must hold onto their best players. Colchester have lost key players like Arthur Read and Matt Macey this summer. League standing: 9th in League Two, 7 pts, 2W-1D-1L from 4 games, recent form WLWD. Goals this season: 5 scored, 5 conceded (0 goal difference). Title race: 2 points behind leaders Bristol Rovers. Jack Payne joined Colchester United in 2024. Jack Payne has recorded 18 assists for Colchester United. Colchester United have rebuffed interest in Jack Payne. Danny Cowley has previously said that the club must hold onto their best players. Colchester will be hoping to see Jack Payne reach a century of appearances for the club. Colchester have rebuffed interest in Jack Payne. The identity of the bidding club has not been revealed. Salford City, Bristol Rovers, and York City have been the big spenders in League Two this summer. Colchester United have lost key players like Arthur Read and Matt Macey this summer. Pete O'Rourke said: "Colchester have already had to fend off two bids from a league rival for Payne." Colchester United's current squad depth is being tested as they aim to retain key assets like Payne, with more details available on the squad page. Fans tracking his progress toward 100 appearances can review his contributions on the stats page, while the club's position in the table is updated regularly on the standings page.