Maidstone have signed centre-half Alex Wynter from Colchester.

The 23-year-old has joined United after his U’s contract was cancelled by mutual consent.

He’s the second new defender through the door in 24 hours following the loan signing of Alex Finney from QPR.

Wynter, who played 54 times in league and cup for Colchester, could feature in the National League opener against Maidenhead tomorrow, subject to FA clearance.

Stones boss Jay Saunders tried to sign him on loan last season but now has his man on a permanent deal.

Saunders said: “Defence is an area we’ve been trying to strengthen and Alex is a good one for us.

“He’s got experience, he’s still a good age but he’s got that experience of playing this league and above so I’m really pleased to get him on board.

“It’s a shame we couldn’t get it done a little bit earlier but he’ll be a good signing for us.

“He’s got good pace, he reads the game very well and he’s got that bit of experience.

“I didn’t want to bring a 35-year-old in that’s maybe on their last legs, we want to sign the right players that hopefully can help us push on. Alex is that.”

Wynter joined Palace aged nine and had loan spells with Portsmouth, Eastbourne and Sutton before joining Colchester in January 2015.

He said: “I’ve got quite a few games under my belt now at Colchester in League 1 and League 2 so it can only put me on the right foot to go on and push on now.

“There’s some huge teams in this league that came down from League 2 last year.

“I know it’s not going to be a breeze, I know it’s going to be tough but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Meanwhile, former Stones defender Kevin Lokko has joined National League Dagenham on a season-long loan - two days after signing for League 2 Stevenage.