Lisbie scored 17 goals for the U's last season after joining from Charlton Athletic but he could not prevent the club from being relegated to League One.

The 29-year-old is keen to continue his career in the Championship and revealed earlier on Wednesday that he had already had a medical with Ipswich.

Lisbie also stated that he had played his last game for Colchester, but Cowling insists it is not a certainty that he will be leaving.

Colchester have been in talks with Lisbie over the summer regarding a new contract and Cowling is hopeful that he will decide to stay.

"Negotiations are taking place between ourselves, Ipswich Town and Kevin but, at the present time, nothing has been fully resolved," Cowling told the club's official website.

"We have been doing everything in our power to keep Kevin at the club because obviously we know he is a proven goalscorer for us and will be an asset to the squad this season.

"The squad we have here at Colchester United us a strong one and we want to keep it that way as we look to return to the Championship at the first time of asking.

"Unfortunately, due to the ongoing discussions, Kevin won't be involved in our first friendly at Tiptree United this evening."