SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell is prepared to wait in his pursuit of more summer signings.

The Shrimpers boss has already added six new players to his squad this summer.

But the Blues chief will stay patient in his search for further transfers.

“It’s been a bit slow, maybe because we’ve been out of the country training in Spain,” said Powell.

“I know you can still do things on the phone but I’m being a bit more cautious and diligent with the one or two areas I want to improve on still.

“The other players we’ve signed I already knew about and knew that they would come in and would fit in quite seamlessly.”

But Powell is still keen to make more signings and is believed to be chasing another striker and winger to add to his squad.

“At the moment we’re still looking,”said Powell.

“We’re still making calls and making enquiries.

“It’s taking a bit of time but the group we have is a good one.

“One or two more would really push us onwards but I have to make sure they are the right signings.

“As things stand nothing is close to being done and unless something changes we won’t be signing anyone before the Leeds game.”

The Shrimpers host Leeds at Roots Hall this Sunday as they prepare for the forthcoming season which Powell believes is hard to predict.

“I really do think League One is up for grabs this year,” said the 48-year-old.

“Last year the three teams who came down went back up and normally when that happens it’s down to budgets.

"But last year Shrewsbury came from nowhere and I think there’s three or four teams who could be up there this year.

“You have teams like Sunderland who are still getting parachute payments and we have to compete against that.

“We’ll be ready for it and that’s why pre-season has been tough.

“It’s so far so so good where that’s concerned but the next two games - against Tottenham and Leeds - will be a big test.”

Blues travel to Spurs today for a behind closed doors game at the London club’s training ground.”