SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown remains keen on signing another defender and midfielder.

The Shrimpers chief is keen to bolster his squad before the start of the League One season.

But the 58-year-old is finding it tricky to bring in more players.

"The two main areas we’re looking at are defence and midfield but it's really difficult and I can’t even begin to describe what we go through," said Brown.

"One day it’s on, the next day it’s off then it’s back on again.

"But It’s not for me to lead people up the garden path by saying who our targets are and we don’t want them going public anyway.

"There are quite a few out there who know who we are interested in but it’s a slow process.

"It’s similar to last season but at least we’ve already brought three players in who have already played at a higher level.

"Hopefully the next two will as well."