SIMON Francis today confirmed he will be staying with Southend United.

The right back was one of three players placed on the transfer list only a fortnight ago after failing to agree a new contract with the Shrimpers.

But Francis now seems set to put pen to paper on an extended two year deal.

And the 23-year-old expects it all to be sorted within the next couple of weeks.

"It's all been agreed now and I just need to go in to get it signed which will hopefully happen before we begin pre-season training at the start of July," said Francis.

"I'm happy that's it been sorted because I've never wanted to leave and I really believe we can push for promotion next year after the form we showed towards the end of last season."

Francis worked his way into the starting line-up during the second half of the campaign and impressed with his attacking play down the right hand side.

That saw him rewarded with a new deal, despite having a year left on his original contract.

But his future was thrown into doubt when Blues chairman Ron Martin made the defender available for transfer.

And the news came as a real shock to Francis.

"It all happened when I was on the plane to Las Vegas," he confirmed.

"When I turned my phone back on it was going mad with messages and I did wonder what was going on.

"It was certainly a surprise and it really did baffle me a bit.

"We didn't accept the first offer the club made and I guess it all stemmed from that but it did come as a shock. I still always thought I would stay though and I'm glad that's the case."

But while Francis will stay with the Shrimpers, winger Mark Gower is still weighing up his options.

The 29-year-old, who is wanted by a couple of Championship clubs, was expected to make his mind up yesterday but he has still to inform manager Steve Tilson of his decision.

>ZOLTAN Liptak has joined Hungarian side Ujpest FC, based in Budapest, for £60,000 - £10,000 more than he cost from Lombard FC Papa a year ago.