A QUINTET of Southend United players are still in discussions surrounding their futures at Roots Hall.

Skipper Craig Easton, player-coach Graham Coughlan, defender Luke Prosser, striker Blair Sturrock and young forward Kyle Asante will be out of contract at the end of June.

And much will depend on the budget that has been given to manager Paul Sturrock, which the Echo understands includes a new pay structure.

“Negotiations are ongoing with a number of players,” confirmed a source close to the club.

“In addition to that we are continuing to look at potential signings for next season.

“A sustainable pay structure has also been implemented to gain the greatest value from the budget and this will hopefully provide a strong platform to attract new targets.”

That will include goalkeeper Glenn Morris who looks certain to remain at Roots Hall as he made enough appearances last season to trigger a clause which saw him handed another year’s contract.

But the future of the other players remains unclear.

FULL STORY IN THURSDAY'S ECHO