SOUTHEND United could be facing Spanish giants Malaga in the build-up to next season.

Shrimpers boss Phil Brown is currently finalising his side’s preparations for the 2016/17 campaign.

And another trip to Spain could well be on the cards, only this time with a game against a La Liga side.

“A trip to Spain is pencilled in for us,” said Brown, who has also taken his players abroad before the start of his three previous seasons in charge.

“It’s not confirmed at this stage but there’s a possibility of us playing a pre-season friendly with Malaga which would be fantastic.

“We’ve got one or two other things going on but it’s an impending tour we’ve got planned at the moment which is something we always like to do.”

The strength of the Malaga side Blues could face is not yet known but their first team are currently eighth in La Liga.

The Shrimpers hope to make the visit in mid-July by which time Brown is also keen to have made the majority of his signings for next season.

“We’ve got to get the recruitment right and we’ve got to get it done early,” said the 56-year-old.

“It was music to my ears when the chairman agreed that we need to get as many players in as possible before we come back in for pre-season training at the start of July.

“That’s certainly something we will be aiming to do.”