SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown remains frustrated in his bid to strengthen his Shrimpers squad.

Brown is keen to bring in another defender and striker.

But he admits no new signings are close to be being completed.

“We aren’t imminently signing someone but we are in talks with two or three clubs still,” said Brown.

“It’s proving very difficult and for me this has been one of the worst transfer windows in history.

“The lower teams are getting squeezed by the teams at the top and it’s tough.

“The managers in the Championship and Premier League are holding on to players because the security of the 28 day loan doesn’t exist now.

“I’m looking at club’s fifth or sixth choice players but they won’t risk sending them out which is frustrating.”

Brown will again be short of options for Saturday’s clash against Bristol Rovers, with Nile Ranger missing out with an ankle problem.

And Brown will also be checking on the fitness of David Mooney, Ryan Leonard and Adam Barrett before picking his starting line-up.

“We will assess David’s hamstring and Adam picked up a shoulder injury on Tuesday too,” said Brown.

“He had to strap it up and was a real hero in the second half. Lenny will also need checking after having stitches on his knee.”