BLUES boss Steve Tilson wants to sign Jean Francois Christophe on a permanent basis.

The French midfielder, who is currently on loan from Premier League Portsmouth, has impressed during his two month spell with the Shrimpers.

And Tilson is keen to keep him at Roots Hall for longer.

“The second month of his loan is up next weekend and first things first we will be looking to extend that for a third and final month,” said the Southend chief.

“We can’t make the loan any longer after that but I would certainly been keen to sign him permanently if we could.

“It hasn’t been discussed yet either with him or with Portsmouth but it will be talked about at some stage because I would like to keep him at the club.”

Christophe joined the Seasiders at the start of September and has now made 11 appearances in the centre of the park.

He has formed a fine partnership with fellow loanee Lee Sawyer and Tilson does not believe the 21-year-old’s future will be affected by Harry Redknapp departure from Portsmouth.

Redknapp originally allowed Christophe to come to Roots Hall but has now taken over at Tottenham Hotspur.

He has since been replaced by Tony Adams at Fratton Park but Tilson is sure the change in management will not make any difference to Christophe.

“I don’t think anything Harry leaving will change anything concerning Jean and ourselves,” said Tilson.

“But I think he’s been superb for us since coming in. He played very well indeed against Leeds United in the week again and broke up a number of their moves to get the ball back for us.

“He’s strong and adds a physical presence in there too.

“He has certainly made a difference and that’s why we don’t want him to go back. He’s happy here too and is close friends with Francis Laurent so hopefully that could work in our favour too.”

Christophe’s next challenge will come against local rivals Colchester United at Roots Hall on Saturday.

And Tilson wants him and the rest of his team to be playing in front of a capacity crowd.

“We had more than 10,000 there the other night and it would be great to get even more at the weekend,” he said.

“We’re playing well and it’s a local derby so lets try and completely fill the ground.”