SOUTHEND United midfielder Will Atkinson has verbally agreed to sign a new two year contract with the Shrimpers, Echosport understands.

The 26-year-old has made 93 appearances for Blues in the past two seasons.

And he is now close to putting pen to paper on a fresh deal.

“Will has verbally agreed to sign a new contract with the football club,” said a source close to the club.

“It’s now just a question of tying things up and getting him to sign the contract but it’s obviously good news that it looks like he will be staying here.”

Atkinson worked with Shrimpers boss Phil Brown at Hull City at the start of his career before teaming up with him again at Roots Hall, signing in the summer of 2013.

Since then he has become a regular starter in a variety of midfield roles and was included in the line-up for the play-off final success against Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley.

Atkinson now looks set to still be with Blues in League One and sources close to the midfielder confirmed he was due to sign the contract within the next fortnight when he is due back in the area.

However, Blues boss Brown has still yet to sign his new contract.

The 56-year-old met with the Roots Hall hierarchy for another round of talks before flying to Barcelona yesterday evening.

The deal was unable to be concluded before the Shrimpers chief stepped onto to the plane but chief executive Steve Kavanagh hopes the contract will finally be signed tonight.

“The contract is very close but there were just a couple of things Phil wanted to check with the LMA (League Managers Association) before signing it,” said Kavanagh.

“Unfortunately they were unable to get back to him before his flight but we’re hoping to be able to scan a copy of the contract over to Phil today and that he will be able to sign it.”