Chelsea goalkeeper Sam Walker signs for Colchester United

Colchester United have successfully completed the signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Sam Walker on a one-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old had spent the last two seasons on loan at the Essex club, and was eventually offered a permanent contract by manager Joe Dunne.

"I'm delighted that we've signed Sam for the next eighteen months," Dunne said. "He is another young and hungry young footballer who has decided to come here and play, which is great testament to what we are doing here at Colchester United.

"He has done fantastically well for us over the past year but he is still improving and will get even better in the right environment for development.

Walker has notched up 48 appearances for the League One outfit so far.