Colchester United have signed defender Matthew Weaire on a two-year deal following the expiry of his contract at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Weaire, 17, is a Denmark youth international who has played 21 games for the Seagulls under-18 squad.

He had a loan spell at Gosport Borough in the Southern League Premier South last season, and departs along with Brentford-bound Julien Carre.

"They worked incredibly hard," Albion under-18 coach Mark Beard said.

"On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to wish Julien and Matthew all the very best for the future."