SOUTHEND United want to strengthen their squad with at least three more summer signings before the start of next season.

Blues boss Paul Sturrock has assembled a list of possible transfer targets.

And the Echo understands that another striker and a winger are top of the club’s wish list.

The club have held preliminary talks with a forward who was playing in the Championship last term and are tracking a wide-man who was with a League Two club last term.

Blues are keen to add more firepower and creativity in the final third of the pitch and, despite having already signed Neil Harris this summer, they want another forward.

He would join last season’s top goalscorer Barry Corr at the club, along with youngsters Kyle Asante and Harry Crawford.

Matt Paterson, who ended the previous campaign on loan at Stockport County, also has a year left on his contract. But uncertainty surrounds his future and also that of Blair Sturrock.

The Scottish striker scored six goals in 48 games for Blues last season and has so far failed to agree a new deal.

His current contract will soon expire, making him available on a free transfer but the situation should be resolved one way or the other by next week.

Talks are also continuing with Crystal Palace over the loan switch of midfielder Alassane N’Diaye.

Blues had hoped to seal the deal yesterday but discussions are still taking place with the length of the loan switch believed to be the possible stumbling block at this stage.