Blues boss Steve Bruce has refused the U's permission to speak with his first team coach insisting that the former Coventry City manager is happy in his role at St Andrew's.
"Colchester approached for Eric and we made our intentions clear, that he wasn't going anywhere, and he's agreed to stay," Bruce told Birmingham Mail. 
"He's more than happy with that.
"Anyone who has seen him, or has worked with him, knows exactly what he is all about in terms of the way he can coach, and he's very, very good.
"I think it's 'in' at the moment - a young tracksuit manager, after a couple of people have done well.
"If any club has done their homework then they are going to consider Eric.
"I am sure one day he will become a number one, that's if he wants to become a number one."