SOUTHEND United have stepped up their attempts to keep goalkeeper Mark Oxley at the club.

The Shrimpers shot-stopper has been in superb form between the sticks this season and is rumoured to be attracting interest from Championship club Millwall.

But Blues chairman Ron Martin is keen for the keeper to remain at Roots Hall beyond the end of his current contract which expires at the end of the season.

“We are keen to‎ keep Mark,” confirmed Martin.

“We have submitted a proposal to his agent.”

Oxley joined Blues before the start of last season and has now made 66 appearances for the club.

The 27-year-old has also kept three clean sheets in his last four games.