JAKUB Sokolik and William Edjenguele will push their claims for a contract with Southend United in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Spain today.

The defensive duo are both expected to line up for the Shrimpers against Rincon de la Victoria, an Andalusian side.

And boss Phil Brown will be paying close attention to their performances as he looks to bolster his options at the back.

“I would say the biggest priority for us now is to bring in more centre-backs,” said Brown.

“At the moment Adam Thompson and Adam Barrett are the only options we have there, and maybe John White at a push, but we need to bring in more centre-backs.

“With that in mind we have Jakub and William in to look at and I have to say I’ve been impressed by them in training.

“We have the balance of one being right-sided and one being left-sided and we will be having another good look at them today.

Echo:

On trial - William Edjenguele

“At the moment I would say it’s 50/50 whether or not we sign them both but we’re getting clearer pictures all the time from them.

“It will probably be quite tough to make a final judgement on today’s game but if they do well then we will have another look at them against tougher opposition.

“They could play against West Ham or Newcastle and then we’ll make a decision after that.”

Sokolik has already spent two loan spells with the Shrimpers during his career but struggled for form and fitness during his spell at Yeovil Town, who released him at the end of last season.

Frenchman Edjenguele has previously lined up for Coventry and Bury and spent last season with Greek Super League club Veria FC.

However, Brown is still keen to strengthen in any areas, with a winger and another striker on his wish list.

“If we can bring in another winger that would be great and then, if the budget still allows, another striker as well,” said Brown.

“Ronan Murray – who we have on trial – wouldn’t be too expensive and he’s certainly doing well at the moment, so we will continue to take a look at him.”