SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has lined up a list of possible replacements for the Shrimpers’ highly rated goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

Championship clubs Hull City and Queens Park Rangers have both seen bids rejected for the sought after shot-stopper in the past fortnight.

And, with speculation continuing to surround Bentley’s future at Roots Hall, Brown has looked at who else may be available to line up between the sticks for Blues should the 22-year-old depart.

“I think you’ve got to look at other goalkeepers,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“There’s an awful lot of speculation where Daniel Bentley is concerned right now and rightly so because he’s a quality goalkeeper.

“He will go on to play at the highest level so you do need to line your ducks up.

“We’ve had interest for Dan in the past year or so and that’s not going to go away because he’s getting better all the time.

“He’s getting stronger and more experienced too so we have looked at one or two other goalkeepers in case we do need to bring one in.”

However, Brown also confirmed that Ted Smith would also be given a chance to impress this season.

The 19-year-old, who like Bentley has come through the Shrimpers youth system, has been capped by England at a number of age groups.

And the Blues boss is backing Smith to also enjoy a successful future in the game.

“We already have Ted Smith in the camp and I think he might surprise one or two this season,” said Brown.

“He just needs an opportunity and looking with what’s happening with Dan right now I think he might get more of a chance this year.

“You can’t second guess what’s going to happen but he kept two clean sheets in four games last season and he’s got a great career ahead of him.

“People here who I really rate in terms of their views on goalkeepers tell me Ted is ahead of Dan when he was 19.

“He hasn’t got the same physique just yet but he will get chances this season, even if Dan stays at the football club.