Southend eager to retain Sawyer

Southend United manager Steve Tilson is keen for loan player Lee Sawyer to stay at Roots Hall permanently.

The 19-year-old Chelsea midfielder has played 10 games for the Blues in his three-month spell, which comes to an end after Saturday's trip to Tranmere.

Tilson told BBC Essex: "He's done really well for us and is one that we'd like to bring in on a permanent basis.

"Chelsea will dictate that situation and we have been in contact with them and we have to see how things develop."

Tilson is also looking at a number of players to replace Hal Robson-Kanu, whose loan from Reading also comes to an end on Saturday.

"We need a bit of balance on the left-hand side with Hal going back, so it's something we need to address and we've been addressing it for the past couple of weeks," he confirmed.

"We'll just have to see what position two or three clubs are in regarding injuries as to whether we can bring someone in on loan."

Robson-Kanu has made 14 appearance for the Blues this season, scoring twice for the League One club.