SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown expects to miss out on signing Franck Moussa.

The midfielder ended last season back with Blues.

But he now looks set to sign for Walsall.

“It does seem as though Franck will be going elsewhere now,” said Brown.

“Franck knew my thoughts and a pre requisite for us signing was that he was in for the start of pre-season to get him fit and to prove his knees were OK.

“I’m disappointed he hasn’t listened to what I was saying and he’s a week behind in his training now.

“He’s playing catch up already and when you’ve been hampered by tendinitis I personally think you need to get back out there.

“But good luck to Franck. I’ve enjoyed working with him and I wish him all the best.”

Moussa, who came through the Shrimpers youth system, returned to Roots Hall in March but featured in just one game scoring at Bury on the final day of the season.