PHIL Brown has revealed he is in talks to sign a four year deal at Southend United after rumours of a switch to Bolton Wanderers were finally ended yesterday.

The Trotters have announced former Celtic boss Neil Lennon as a replacement for ex Shrimpers striker Dougie Freedman.

But Brown remains focused on Blues, who were beaten 2-0 at Luton Town on Saturday.

And Echosport can reveal it is a four year deal Brown is close to finalising to remain at Roots Hall.

“I’ve had more talks with the chairman and it’s a four year deal we’re talking about,” said Brown.

“We’re still jibbering away about a few things but I’m sure it will get sorted and hopefully we can make an announcement before the end of the week.”

Brown met with chairman Ron Martin on both Friday and Sunday to discuss his future.

His current contract expires at the end of the season but is keen to commit his future to the club.

Brown has been with Blues since March 2013 and remains focused on leading the Shrimpers back in to League One.

“I’ve got a job to do here at Southend United and I want to finish it,” said the former Hull City chief.

“We want to get this club back up in to League One at the very least.”

Brown led Blues in to the play-offs last season but was unable to guide his side past Burton Albion in the two legged semi-finals.

The Shrimpers are currently fifth in the table and Brown was named League Two manager of the month for September.

That led to him being linked to the managerial position at Bolton where he had previously played, coached and been assistant manager.

However, Brown and club chiefs at Roots Hall denied there had ever been any kind of approach from the Championship club.