SOUTHEND United have opened contract negotiations with midfielder Gary Deegan.

The 27-year-old joined the Shrimpers on a three month deal in late August.

And, with that contract now close to expiring, boss Phil Brown has started talks to keep the former Northampton Town man at the club on a permanent basis.

“We’re now in talks with Gary about a new contract and we hope it can all be sorted out because I think he’s done well for us,” said Brown.

“We’ve put an offer to him and he’s come back with a counter offer. That’s where we’re at at the moment but talks will continue.

“It’s a big week for Gary and it’s a big week for us as well because I think he brings something different to our midfield.”

Deegan has made 12 appearances since signing for the Shrimpers but he dropped down to the bench for Saturday’s 1-0 win against Hartlepool United.

However, Brown hinted that the midfielder could be back in the starting line-up for this weekend’s clash at Tranmere Rovers, which is the last game of his current contract.

“I watched Hartlepool before we played against them and with the midfield they had I didn’t think we needed that aggressive type of player in there against them,” said Brown.

“With that in mind I went with three more ball playing midfielders in Michael Timlin, Ryan Leonard and Jack Payne.

“But the Tranmere game will be a completely different type of match and I think we could well need that aggressor in the midfield so Gary will most definitely be back in my thinking for that one.”

If Deegan does agree a new deal then his first match would be against Northampton Town, who he made 30 appearances for last season, at Roots Hall a week on Saturday.