Jai Reason has signed a pre-contract agreement with Cambridge United for a contract to May 2010, which will be registered with the Football Association on 1st July when his existing deal with Ipswich Town expires.

The 19-year-old Southend-born midfielder finished last season on loan with the U's and he has signed in the face of interest from other clubs after being released by Ipswich Town.

Jai graduated through the Ipswich academy but had to wait for his senior debut until he joined United on loan in February. He made an immediate debut in the win at Kidderminster and went on to cement a place in the middle alongside Paul Carden, finishing the season with 18 appearances and two goals.

Manager Gary Brabin commented, "Jai got better and better during his loan spell and I think he has a bright future in the game. Me and Paul Carden and Stuart Bimson took time out to help him and he appreciated that.

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Jai Reason models the prototype of the new kit
Reason wearing a sample of the new home kit

"He had a few good offers from elsewhere that he looked into and I fully respect that he had to check them out, but he was keen to stay and he was glad to sign. He loves it here; he enjoyed his football, the fans got behind him and he enjoyed getting his first taste of competitive football."

Chairman George Rolls is also pleased that Jai has pledged his immediate future to Cambridge United, saying, "The manager thinks very highly of him and I think the fact that he has chosen us shows that we are a club going forward."

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