SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has opened contract talks with Shrimpers striker Marc-Antoine Fortune.

The Frenchman’s current deal now expires at the end of January.

And Brown is keen to keep the forward at Roots Hall until at least the end of the season.

“We’re trying to extend Marc’s contract,” confirmed Brown.

“Because of a game clause we had put in, his initial deal now runs out at the start of January but we want to extend it to the end of the season if not beyond because of the impact he’s made when coming on in games and also when he’s started them.

“We want to keep that level of competition at the top end of the pitch and hopefully we’ll be able to get something sorted with Marc quite soon.”

Fortune - who could start at Oldham Athletic this weekend if Brown opts not to include Nile Ranger - has made four starts and 11 appearances off the bench since arriving at Roots Hall in late September.

But he now looks set to remain with the Shrimpers and will soon be joined by winger Zavon Hines, who Brown expects to sign this morning.

“Hopefully Zavon will be signing today,” said Brown.

“We’ve had a problem with regards to secretarial duties due to illness so the paperwork has been delayed.

“Fingers crossed it will be done this morning and Zavon will be in the squad for the game tomorrow.”

Blues will be making the trip to Boundary Park sitting eighth in the standings having not lost in their last nine outings.

In stark contrast, Oldham are 22nd in the table, with just one win in their last eight outings in the league.

And Brown is keen to add to their troubles in front of a number of familiar faces.

“My family will all be there this weekend and I’ve had to get 26 tickets as it’s not too far away from Bolton,” said Brown.

“I would imagine the game would be much tighter than last year, when we won there 5-2,” said Brown.

“There haven’t been too many goals in their home games and it’s important we start well, just like we did against Coventry.”