SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is doing all he can to keep Elvis Bwomono at the club.

The 22-year-old right-back has made 133 appearances since coming through the youth ranks at Roots Hall.

And Brown wants the defender, who is likely to attract interest from elsewhere, to sign a new deal.

“Elvis is a key one,” said Brown.

“At his age and with 130 games under his belt, I am hoping he will put pen to paper soon.

“ I worked with Elvis before and feel like I can get the best out of him.

“He knows what I’m all about and I’m hoping he will give me a chance to work with him again.

“Instead of relegations on his CV I want to get him a couple of promotions.”