SOUTHEND United are keen to bring in a new winger before the transfer window closes for permanent signings tonight.

Blues had been hopeful of bringing in a young wide-man from a Premier League club but that move fell through.

And interest in an experienced flankster with a League One side ended when he picked up an injury.

However, Southend boss Paul Sturrock has not given up hope of bringing someone in.

“You’re never too sure what transfer deadline is going to bring but we’re talking to several targets and have fingers in many pies,” said Sturrock.

“We’d like to bring in a winger and we’ve been looking to do that.

“But even if that doesn’t happen today we can always bring one in on loan once the window for loan signings opens again quite soon.”

Blues remain short of options out wide after David Martin’s contract with the club was terminated last week.

As expected he has now joined National Conference club Luton Town and out of favour striker Elliot Benyon could join him on the way out Roots Hall.

The 25-year-old has not started for Blues since September and did seem set to return to Torquay United where he enjoyed a successful spell towards the start of his career.

However, that move is now also in doubt and Benyon could be forced to look elsewhere to kick start his career.

As well as that, Blues are also trying to sort out Bilel Mohsni’s future.

The controversial Frenchman, who has not returned to Roots Hall since the end of last season, has been training with League One side Stevenage this week.

The defender has not played since a loan spell at Ipswich Town ended at the beginning of January and Southend are now hoping to sort the ongoing saga surrounding his future.