MILLWALL have joined the race to sign Southend United’s Michael Timlin.

The influential midfielder will be out of contract at the end of next week and has yet to agree a new deal with the Shrimpers.

The Lions, who are managed by Timlin’s former Blues team-mate Neil Harris, has now been alerted to the 30-year-old’s availability.

And Echosport understands the League One side are set to offer a contract to the midfielder.

Timlin grew up in South London with the Lions as his local side and many of his friends and family still attend matches at the New Den.

It is believed Timlin’s preferred option would be to remain at Roots Hall and Phil Brown told the Echo yesterday that he was confident of keeping hold of the influential midfielder.

But the former Swindon man is still waiting to be offered an improved deal after turning down Blues’ first proposal.

Timlin joined Southend initially on loan in September 2010 before rejoining the following August and completing a permanent switch to the club.

The 30-year-old midfielder grew in popularity during the Shrimpers’ successful play-off campaign after he suffered a horrific clash of heads in the first leg against Stevenage which required 15 stitches.

However, he was still able to line up in the second leg and, wearing a protective skull-cap, Timlin bagged Blues’ final goal in a 3-1 win.

The former Fulham trainee also started the final against Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley and was among those who scored from the penalty spot to enable the Shrimpers to come out on top to secure their place in League One for next season.

He has made 170 appearances for the club.