Jackson Ramm and Merrick James-Lewis join Colchester

Colchester United have signed full-back Jackson Ramm and midfielder Merrick James-Lewis following successful trials with the club.

Ramm, 19, is an England youth international who spent the last three seasons at Blackburn.

He has agreed a one-year contract, while James-Lewis, 20, has been given an initial six-month deal.

James-Lewis spent last season with Southend but only made one first-team appearance as a substitute.