SOUTHEND United failed in a loan bid for Birmingham City goalkeeper Connal Trueman, Echosport understands.

The 23-year-old has played 12 times for Birmingham's first team.

And Blues boss Sol Campbell admitted Blues had come close to bringing someone in.

"We were close but it's very difficult now and a lot of teams are nervous because they might need their second or third keeper," said Campbell.

"You can try and pull in a favour and it would be a week to week contract for an emergency loan.

"It can happen because of that but anything else and we wouldn't be able to get anyone in."