SOUTHEND United have opened transfer talks with a goalkeeper who they are keen to bring to the club next season.

Blues are currently without a senior shot-stopper after deciding to not make Cameron Belford's loan switch permanent and opting to release Glenn Morris.

But the Echo understands they have now identified who they want to between the sticks next term and hope the switch can soon be completed.

“Talks with the goalkeeper are going well and hopefully everything can soon be sorted out,” said a source close to the club.

“He has worked under Paul Sturrock before earlier on in his career and he knows a few of the other players that are here already.

“He's therefore keen to come in and play for Southend and we'd be delighted to have him here too.”

Blues were not prepared to name the transfer target in public but the keeper in question is believed to be an experienced shot-stopper who played in League Two last season.

Southend also hope to soon complete the signing of winger Kevan Hurst in the next few days and further fresh faces could now follow in his foot-steps before the end of next week as Sturrock looks to strengthen his squad.