SOUTHEND United have turned down two more offers from Reading for left-back Ben Coker.

The Royals’ first bid – which was believed to be around £75,000 – was rejected by Blues.

And the Roots Hall hierarchy have now opted not to accept two more bids from the Championship club which Echosport understands were £100,000 and £125,000.

“We’ve had a second and third offer from Reading for Ben which we have chosen not to accept as a football club,” said Brown.

“I don’t want to lose Ben but if somebody put a decent offer on the table then we might actually listen.

“But the bids we’ve had so far have been a waste of time because he’s worth a lot more than that.”

Coker – who joined Blues in 2013 – has performed consistently well for the Shrimpers, making 135 appearances.

However, Brown is not sure if the defender is actually on the wanted list of Royals’ boss Jaap Stam.

“I contacted Jaap Stam and he denied he was interested in Ben Coker,” said Brown.

“It was the Thais who were in charge of business before Jaap Stam came in who were putting the bids in left right and centre, which were causing consternation in the game.

“It didn’t do me any favours and it turned my player’s head but we want Ben to stay and if nobody comes in with a real serious offer then I’m confident he will.”

Brown also expects to complete a move for Hibernian goalkeeper Mark Oxley this week with the shot-stopper due at Blues’ Boots & Laces training ground this morning.