Freddy ‘close’ to permanent Blues switch (From Echo)

Freddy Eastwood ‘close’ to permanent Southend United switch

1:45pm Thursday 5th July 2012 in Blues By Chris Phillips

FREDDY Eastwood insists he is close to signing for Southend United.

The 28-year-old has been in transfer talks with Blues since ending last season back on loan at Roots Hall.

But the striker feels a permanent move is now nearing completion.

“I’m still very hopeful that something can be sorted out with Southend,” said Eastwood.

“My agent is still in discussions with Ron Martin (Southend chairman) and I’ve met with him too but I’d like my future to be back with Blues and it could even be done in the next few days.”

Eastwood scored twice in nine games during his loan stint with Southend at the end of last season.

However, he remains a firm fans favourite following an incredibly successful first spell with the club.

Eastwood scored 65 times in 135 games during three memorable seasons in which Blues bagged two promotions.

And the forward is now keen to rediscover that kind of form to replicate the team’s success.

“I want to get back to playing like I did last time at Southend and that’s my aim for next season to help the team get promotion,” said Eastwood.

“My knee caused me a few problems during the loan spell I had back here last year but that’s fine again now.

“I’ve had an operation and it’s no longer troubling me.

“I’ve been able to run on it without any pain or problems and that’s been a really big boost for me.”

Eastwood is currently recovering from a heavy cold, but he should be able to report back for the start of pre-season training with Blues on Saturday.

“Hopefully I’ll be feeling better again by the weekend and I’ll be able to join in straight away with the rest of the lads because pre-season is very important for me this year.

“I’ll be doing it with Southend and want the deal to be done soon because it’s time for us to get back to work.”

FULL STORY IN THURSDAY'S ECHO