SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown looks to have failed in swoops for two of his former loan defenders.

Jakub Sokolik seems set to snub a switch to the Shrimpers in favour of a move to League One side Yeovil Town.

And Tamika Mkandawire, who Brown had also been keen to bring to Roots Hall following his release from Shrews-bury Town, looks likely to move to America to play.

“It’s disappoint-ing, particularly with Jakub because I really did think he would sign for us at one stage,” confirmed the Blues boss.

“For quite a while it was 75 per cent to 25 per cent in favour of him signing for us but now I would say it's the other way round.

“I’ve spoken to him and it appears that he has been advised by his agent to play at the highest level he can so I would expect him to sign for Yeovil now.

“We’ve done all we can to convince him to come and he was very apologetic about his decision.

“I’m not giving up hope completely because he hasn't signed for Yeovil yet but I think he’s looked at them playing in the Championship last year and the fact they will be in League One next season.

“That’s what I think has given them the edge over ourselves.”

Sokolik made 12 appearances for Blues at the end of last season when on loan from Liverpool but has now opted against coming back on a permanent basis.

So too has Mkandawire, who made a combined total of 18 appearances during two loan stints with the Shrimpers in the 2012/13 campaign.

But the 30-year-old has opted to take up an offer to play abroad.

“We spoke to Tam after seeing he was available but he’s chosen to go and sign a two-year deal to play in Florida,” said Brown.

“He’s moving his family over there and we wish him all the best but now we will have to look at alternative defensive targets.

“I have a meeting today to discuss a few things and hopefully we can move things on with the other targets we have now.”