SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is on the look-out for another centre-back after Luke Prosser completed his switch to Northampton Town.

As was revealed in yesterday’s Echosport, Prosser has joined the Cobblers on loan until the end of the season.

And Brown has already drawn up a short-list of three young defenders to replace him at Roots Hall.

“I feel as though I’m a centre-half short of a full squad now,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“The board understand I want competition for places but I also understand there’s a budget we must adhere to.

“At the same time, Luke’s departure has made a bit of a gap in that budget and I can maybe bring a defender in now.

“I’ve got three targets from Premier League clubs who are playing under 21 football and we will wait and see what unfolds with them.”

However, former Derby County defender Miles Addison – who had been training with the Shrimpers – also remains on Brown’s radar.

“If I can get one of the young defenders in then I won’t need Miles,” explained the 56-year-old.

“But if I don’t then a move is still possible, although he is spending the next week training with Hamilton in Scotland.”

Prosser’s departure ends a six year spell year with the Shrimpers which saw him make 164 appearances for the club and scored seven goals.

He opted to team up with League Two leaders Northampton Town instead of Cambridge United and will now be reunited with another former Southend defender Ryan Cresswell.