Southend United have offered a two-year professional contract to striker Harry Crawford this week.

Crawford, 18, has scored 11 goals in 18 appearances for the Blues under 18's side this season.

He has also been included on Steve Tilson's first team bench this term, although he is yet to make his debut.

And the second year scholar has been rewarded for his efforts with the offer of a two-year deal at Roots Hall.

"We've made an offer to Harry and he is thinking it over at the moment," Head of Youth Ricky Duncan told southendunited.co.uk.

"He's done well this season and it's a good opportunity for him."

Meanwhile, Blues have also handed third year extensions to four second year scholars so they can continue their development at Roots Hall.

Defenders Duran Reynolds and Adetayo Osifuwa will continue at Southend for a further 12 months along with midfielders Marcus Milner and Merrick James-Lewis.

"All four are considering the offers at the moment and we expect to hear back shortly," added Duncan.

Finally, Duncan also confirmed that he is to sit down with Kyle Asante to discuss his future.

Asante recently went under the knife to repair a cruciate ligament injury sustained whilst playing for the reserves against Ipswich Town.

And that looks set to sideline the speedy forward for up to a year.

"We'll need to sit down with Kyle and his family to make him an offer," said Duncan.

"It's a real blow for him to get this injury at this stage of his career so we will commit to him for the next 9-12 months to support him through his rehabilitation."

Duncan also confirmed that midfielder George Smith is currently on international duty with the Republic of Ireland under 17's in Greece.

More on that story to follow on southendunited.co.uk.