GOALKEEPER Mark Oxley is close to completing a switch to Southend United.

Oxley is expected to join Blues from Hibernian to replace Daniel Bentley.

And Shrimpers boss Phil Brown is delighted to be signing the 25-year-old.

“Mark is due to be at the training ground tomorrow and I would be very pleased to get a deal for him done,” said Brown.

“I paid money for him at Hull City when he was about 16 and was very highly rated.

“It would be great to work with him again now he’s developed into a very good goalkeeper.

“He’s got games under his belt for both Oldham and Hibernian but a change in management there has enabled us to get him which is very good news.”

Oxley has made 143 appearances during his career and also scored a goal with a long distance clearance during his time with Hibs.