A DEAL to keep midfielder Gary Deegan at Southend United is close to being agreed.

The Irishman’s short term deal expired after he was sent off in Saturday’s 3-2 win at Oxford United.

But the 27-year-old is now expected to remain at Roots Hall until the end of the season.

“The deal to keep Gary with us at the club is 90 per cent done now,” confirmed Blues boss Phil Brown.

“But it’s not over the line or a done deal at this stage.”

Deegan initially joined Blues in late August and has made 16 appearances for the club so far.