SOUTHEND United are close to completing a deal for Aldershot Town left-back Anthony Straker.

Echosport revealed last week that the 23-year-old had been in transfer talks with Blues.

And it is now believed that the former England under-19 international (pictured below) will complete his switch to Roots Hall in the next couple of days.

“Everything has now virtually been agreed for the move to be completed,” said a source close to the club.

“Barring a last-minute change of heart everything will be done by the early part of the week and it could even be done today.”

Straker is currently out of contract but Blues will need to pay Aldershot compensation as the defender is still under the age of 24.

Southend also remain in talks with ex-Swindon Town goalkeeper Phil Smith and Rotherham United centre-back Ryan Cresswell.

However, having initially felt they were close to sealing a move for Cresswell the deal has now hit a stumbling block to do with the defender’s situation with the Millers, and that must be sorted before any move can be completed.

Blues are also believed to be tracking midfielder Scott Donnelly.

The 24-year-old was on loan at Wycombe Wanderers last season having previously played for Queens Park Rangers, Aldershot Town and Swansea City.