SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has revealed the Shrimpers have agreed a deal with Crystal Palace to extend Jerome Binnom-Williams’ loan spell until the end of the season.

The defender’s current loan stint expires in just a fortnight’s time.

But Brown is delighted the 19-year-old will be remaining at Roots Hall.

“The paperwork has been agreed and I hope I’m not jumping the gun by saying we’ve got Jerome until the end of the season,” said Brown.

“He’s played centre back the last couple of matches and he can read the game well from there.

“He can get us playing from the back and there’s a nice combination with him and Ben Coker on the left hand side of the defence.”

However, Gary Deegan’s future at the club remains unclear.

The midfielder’s short team deal with the Shrimpers has now ended.

But Brown claimed the Irishman’s agent had slowed down the discussions about a new contract.

“I’ve sat down with Gary on two or three occasions but his agent seems to be dithering a bit,” said the 55-year-old.

“I don’t know why I can’t just talk to Gary and get it done but if we get him until the end of the season then that would be fantastic.”

However, Deegan will definitely not be available for this weekend’s trip to Portsmouth after being sent off in Saturday’s win at Oxford United.

The tough tackler was sent off after being shown two yellow cards in the first half.

And Brown revealed the midfielder was quick to say sorry to his team-mates at the end of the game.

“Gary’s apologies were ringing around the changing room and rightly so,” said Brown.

“Once you get booked it’s a precarious line to tread but that’s the fifth red card we’ve had this season and I don’t think we’re a dirty team at all.”