Right-back Simon Francis is ready to commit his future to Southend he confirmed today.

The former Sheffield United defender has been offered a new deal by the club, even though his current contract still has 12 months to run.

And the 23-year-old confirmed that he hopes to put pen-to-paper on the deal shortly.

"I'm really pleased that the club have come forward with the contract offer as it shows they must be pleased with the way I played when I got into the team last season," said Francis.

"It's a reward for what I've done and I'm pleased as I want nothing more than staying at Southend.

"I'm settled here and, although there are obviously one or two things still to sort out with the contract, I'm sure I'm going to be signing it.

"The manager said he wants to know who is going and staying by the end of the month so the same will probably apply with my contract and I'm confident we can sort it out by then."

Francis is not the only Blues player currently undergoing contract negotiations.

Nicky Bailey, Alan McCormack and Mark Gower have all been discussing terms with manager Steve Tilson, as has goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan, who is now the longest-serving player at the club.

Manager Steve Tilson released five players on Monday including former Captain Kevin Maher.