Southend United boss David Webb has admitted he would like to keep highy-rated defender Leo Roget at the Third Division club.

The 23-year-old centre-half is currently on a week-to-week deal after rejecting a new Roots Hall contract over the summer.

And former Blues manager Barry Fry has been making noises about taking the stopper to Second Division Peterborough United, which has obviously unsettled the player.

But Webb said he wanted to keep Roget onboard. "I'm trying to put together a strict wage structure at Roots Hall and I've told Leo that I've got to look at all the players here before I make any decisions," said the Shrimpers chief.

"But if Leo's situation is easy to sort out then it should be done. He has come through the ranks at Roots Hall and stands for what Southend United should be all about.

"But you have to ask yourself if he is only playing so well because he hasn't got a contract at the moment. I would like to get Leo to sign a new contract and we will talk. What I won't do though is compromise the position of the football club."

Roget said he was willing to hold further talks and added that he didn't want to leave Roots Hall for Peterborough.

Colin Lippiatt, manager of Conference League strugglers Woking, claims Blues are preparing to snap up his first-team goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan.

The Cards boss has pleaded with the young shot-stopper to remain at the Surrey club as he faces a keeper crisis with reserve custodian Mark Ormerod set to join non-league minnows Dorchester.

And Webb, who would not name his target, admitted he was eyeing a new goalkeeper. "I've already set the ball in motion to bring a new goalie to Roots Hall," he confirmed.

Mark Tinkler is believed to have travelled to Carlisle United for transfer talks last night.

Reports in the north suggest the Blues midfielder, who scored his first goal for Southend at Blackpool on Sunday, met Carlisle officials along with the Shrimpers' transfer-listed winger Gordon Connelly.

By Bernie Friend

Reporter's e-mail: bernie.friend@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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