MARK Gower will decide on his Southend United future by the weekend, according to manager Steve Tilson.

The influential former Barnet midfielder, whose Roots Hall contract is up at the end of the month, has been offered an improved two-year deal.

The 29-year-old is still considering the Shrimpers' offer, but has also been holding talks with a club in the Championship - believed to be newly-promoted Swansea City.

And Tilson has admitted he still has no idea whether he will have Gower in his squad next season.

"I'm expecting to hear back from Mark by the end of the week but I really don't know if he's going to stay," said the Blues chief.

"We've made him a good offer to stay - the best we can afford in actual fact - and I hope he stays because he's an excellent player.

"But I know he's been talking to a Championship club and he is weighing up his options.

"At this stage of this career, if he gets a better offer from a club at a higher level then it's something he may go for.

"He's having a think about what is a big decision for him but we couldn't have done any more to keep him here."

However, as revealed in yesterday's Echosport, midfielder Alan McCormack is set to commit his future to the Shrimpers.

And the Irishman is expected at Roots Hall today to put pen to paper on a three-year deal.

"I'm pleased that everything has been sorted out," said McCormack.

"I know it was put out that I rejected the club's first offer of a contract but I was never looking to get away.

"We enjoyed a great end to last season and if we can carry on that way then I really do think promotion is a possibility next year."

McCormack played a huge part in helping Blues reach the play-offs, scoring nine goals from the centre of the park.

But the 24-year-old believes he is still capable of more.

"I want to be play better and score more goals next season," said McCormack.

"If we all aim to improve individually then we're going to do better as a team as well.

"League One did surprise me if I'm honest because it's a very strong and tough league but we're ready for it and we're confident we can finish in the top-two."