SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown remains confident of completing a deal for goalkeeper Mark Oxley.

The shot-stopper had been expected to complete a switch from Hibernian at the start of the week but Echosport understands the move has been held up as the Scottish club are waiting to complete a transfer of their own before allowing Oxley to depart.

But Brown still expects the custodian to join.

“The deal has been held up a little bit but I still think it will get done,” said Brown.

“It’s not the end of the world it’s taking longer than we thought and I’m still confident it will happen which is good news because Mark is my number one target to replace Daniel Bentley.”