SOUTHEND United are confident Michael Turner, Simon Cox and Ted Smith will all sign new deals.

The Shrimpers trio are all in contract negotiations with the club.

And Blues boss Chris Powell is hopeful all three will put pen to paper.

“Talks have gone well with all of them,” said Powell.

“As things stand we’re confident they will stay.”

Striker Cox has been top scorer in both his seasons with the Shrimpers, scoring 26 goals in 97 outings.

Experienced centre-back Michael Turner became a key member of the team last term when fit, making 26 appearances.

But goalkeeper Ted Smith - who came through the youth ranks at Roots Hall - endured an injury hit campaign and featured just once due to a shoulder problem.