SOUTHEND United have been unable to furlough six members of their squad, Echosport understands.

The Blues wrote to the players, including some of their highest paid in the squad, to place them on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme which sees the Government paying 80 per cent of the wages.

However, the players in question contacted the PFA whose legal representatives told them not to accept the deal.

A source said:" The PFA told the players it wasn't possible.

"They were told they could take a deferral but not be furloughed.

"People think they would receive 80 per cent of their wages but that's only if you earn under £2,500 a month.

"The Southend players would have taken a big loss so they didn't accept it.

“The PFA told them to only accept the furlough if the club could guarantee the money in their contracts being paid.”

It is understood the six Blues players offered to go on furlough if the money they would be missing out could be made up a later date.