A HOST of clubs are interested in signing Southend United skipper Craig Easton.

The midfielder will soon be out of contract with Blues.

And the Echo understands the 32-year-old is holding talks with another League Two club and teams in his native Scotland.

Easton joined Southend last summer and made 38 appearances in the middle of the park.

But he is now exploring alternative options despite continuing negotiations at Roots Hall.

Both Easton and the club were unavailable for comment but other teams have now been alerted to his availability.

That includes sides in Scotland where Easton was born and started his career.

He spent five years with Dundee United, making 245 appearances, before spending a season with Livingston.

Spells at Leyton Orient and Swindon Town followed before Easton arrived at Southend, to again team up with manager Paul Sturrock, last July. Easton scored five goals but suffered two calf injuries during a solid season.

With uncertainty surrounding his future, Southend have also been linked to other midfielders including Crystal Palace’s Alassane N’Diaye, who ended last season on loan at Swindon Town.

Blues are also in discussions with a number of other potential transfer targets.

FULL STORY IN THURSDAY'S ECHO