SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown will be attempting to add to his squad before the start of the League One season tomorrow.

Blues host Gillingham at Roots Hall in their first fixture this weekend.

And Brown is hoping to bring in a top League Two striker and a young centre-back from a Premier League club before the game gets underway.

“I’ve met with a striker and it was very positive,” said Brown.

“I would say we got to fourth base but it won’t be a home run until he puts pen to paper.

“He rang me back after our meeting as well which I took to be a positive sign and he would certainly increase our fire-power being a former Premier League striker.

“But we’re also looking to strengthen in other areas too including a defender.

“We had been looking to bring one in on loan but this could well end up being a permanent move now.”

Echosport understands the defender Blues are trying to bring in is currently on the books of a London based club in the Premier League and spent time on loan in Scotland last season.

The Shrimpers are also expected to confirm the loan signing of Swansea City midfielder Adam King today.