SOUTHEND United are close to signing winger Sam McQueen from Southampton, Echosport understands.

The 20-year-old is due at the Shrimpers’ training ground this morning.

And he is expected to complete a loan move in time for him to figure against Coventry City at Roots Hall this weekend.

McQueen, who has been with Saints since the age of eight, can play on both flanks and also just behind the strikers.

The youngster has made one substitute appearance for Southampton, replacing Adam Lallana in their FA Cup defeat at Sunderland in February 2014.

He will now be bidding for more first team appearances while with Blues.