SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown admits the future of transfer target Gomis Bedsente remains uncertain, due to the club’s transfer embargo.

The Senegalise midfielder was again in action for the Shrimpers in yesterday’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Gilling-ham, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

But, despite wanting to sign Bedsente, Brown believes the remaining slot available in his squad needs to be a defender.

“I have a real soft spot for Gomis and in an ideal world I’d like to bring him in,” said Brown.

“However, the way things are at the moment with the embargo that’s in place I think our need for a defender is far greater.

“We have plenty of options in midfield and up front but at the back it was four from four against Scunthorpe on Friday and that’s where we need to strengthen.

“It’s a horrible situation and it leaves Gomis’ future hanging on a piece of string, which isn’t nice for him at all.

“But I’ve told him that if he can stay around for a couple of weeks hopefully the situation with the embargo can change and we’ll be able to sign him because I think he would do well for us.”

Bedsente limped off with a slight injury towards the end of the game, which saw Jack Payne secure the Shrimpers a draw with a well-taken goal in the second half. Former West Ham United winger Anthony Edgar played the full 90 minutes on the right flank but he will not be offered a deal at Roots Hall.

Striker Bobby Devyne, who started his career with Chelsea, had been expected to line up in attack but he had to pull out after suffering an injury the day before the game.

Blues were therefore forced to field quite a young side, but that enabled the versatile Ryan Auger to impress. The youngster figured at right-back, left-back and in midfield during the course of the game.

And Brown was full of praise for his performance.

“I thought Ryan was exceptional,” said Brown. “He showed good versatility and a real footballing brain by being able to play in three different positions, which was fantastic to see.

“The second half was much better than the first and I think the young players out there learnt some valuable lessons.”