SOUTHEND United have opened contract talks with Dru Yearwood, Echosport understands.

The 17-year-old midfielder has shone brightly during the Shrimpers’ pre-season campaign.

And it is now understood Blues have tabled a four-year contract for Yearwood.

“Everyone has been impressed by Dru in pre-season and in the games and he’s been offered a professional contract which is for four years,” said a source close to the club.

“The club have spoken to Dru and his parents and hope it won’t take long to complete but nothing has been concluded yet.”

Yearwood has been with the Shrimpers since joining the under-11s following his release from Arsenal, but he only converted to a central midfield position last season.

The youngster had previously lined up on the wing but has shone since moving inside.

Yearwood and goalkeeper Nathan Bishop became the first ever Blues players to be offered the third year of their scholarship when still in the first year of their contracts last season.

And Yearwood has continued to impress in pre-season.

The midfielder travelled to Spain with the Shrimpers first team for the opening week of training and started the 0-0 draw against Partick Thistle.

Three days later, Yearwood scored in a 4-1 defeat at Ipswich Town before catching the eye in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Braintree Town.

The man of the match performance caught the eye of Blues boss Phil Brown but he is keen to not heap too much pressure on the youngster.

“Dru certainly caught the eye but it’s important to remember he’s only 17,” said Brown.

“You always get excited when a young player like him bursts through and it’s hard not to be like that but we have to remember his age.”

Brown still remains in talks to sign an experienced central midfielder.

But the Shrimpers chief expects Yearwood and Michael Klass, another young midfielder, to be close to the first team this season.

“We are in talks with a midfielder but it could be we have two here already,” said Brown.

“They are both close to pushing their way through and, although they won’t play 46 matches, I’m sure they will get chances if they keep on playing and improving like they are at the moment.

“It’s been good to see.”