City have completed the signing of goalkeeper Dean Gerken from Colchester United for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old ended his eight-season stay with the U's by signing a two-year contract at Ashton Gate, subject to a medical before the players return to training tomorrow.

The giant 6ft 4ins custodian has two seasons of Championship experience behind him with Colchester, whom he played for 119 times.

Dean, who also spent the back end of last season on loan at Darlington, was crowned Colchester's young player of the year honour in 2007.