SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is keen to add to his Shrimpers squad ahead of Saturday’s clash with Halifax Town at Roots Hall.

Blues are in talks with a National League North defender and are also looking to bolster their striking options before the weekend.

And Maher insists everything is being done to try and conclude the deals before kick-off.

“We’re trying,” said Maher.

“It’s obvious what we need to bring in and we’ve got offers out there.

“We’re trying to move things on as quickly as we can and that’s all we can do.

“That’s always the aim but we wanted someone in before last Saturday too.

“We’ve put them out there and we’ll look to get them done as quickly as possible but it’s not always that easy.

It’s out of our control.