SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is looking to complete a loan swoop for another defender ahead of the transfer window shutting later today.

Brown currently has only two natural centre-backs in his Shrimpers squad.

And he is keen to bolster his options for the remainder of the season, despite it proving difficult to bring in new recruits.

“The window shuts at 5pm and everyone is working tirelessly to try and bring a player in but it’s very difficult,” said Brown.

“Everyone is chasing the same players or they are away on international duty.

“One of the defenders I’m after is away in Canada at the moment so it’s tough trying to get him to sign for Southend when that’s the case.

“But we’ll have a go and I do envisage someone getting someone in before the deadline closes but we’ll just have to wait and see.”