SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is in contract talks with five members of his Shrimpers squad.

Defenders John White, Anton Ferdinand and Adam Thompson have been tabled offers after the completion of their current deals, along with midfielder Will Atkinson.

The Blues boss is also in talks with midfielder Michael Timlin about extending his spell at Roots Hall.

And Brown is keen to keep them at the club.

“I’ve held talks with the players and we’ve made them the contract offers now too,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“We’ve told them we want them to stay and we want to keep the nucleus of this squad together.”

Thompson, Atkinson and Ferdinand were all regular starters for Southend last term.

And Brown wants them to still be key players next season.

“Tommo had a great season and we’ve made him what I think is a very good offer,” said Brown.

“It’s a two year deal on the table and we’ve offered the same length of contract to Will, who also had another good season.

“Everyone knows how influential Anton is on the group as well and we’ve offered him another year.”

Brown had previously stated how the experienced Ferdinand would be an attractive proposition for other clubs on a free transfer.

However, the Blues boss is determined to keep him at Roots Hall, along with John White who has also been offered a year-long deal.

“John is a great professional and he’s been offered a new year-long deal,” said Brown.

“I started talking to him and Michael Timlin about contracts a while back but after the defeat and performance at Bristol Rovers I said all talks would be delayed until the end of the season.”