Southend United boss Alan Little was expected to make central defender Phil Whelan his first summer signing today (Tuesday).

The 28-year-old Oxford United stopper should put pen to paper on a two-year contract with the Shrimpers this afternoon after negotiating a free transfer move to Roots Hall.

Whelan, who has also seen service at Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough and Rotherham, was a virtual ever present at the Manor Ground last season and has played more than 200 league and cup games during his career.

However, the left-sided centre-half has rejected a new one-year contract offer with the Second Division outfit and is believed to be ready to make a switch to Roots Hall.

Blues chief Little is also still waiting to hear from the four players he has offered new contracts to at Roots Hall.

But it's make your mind up time for the quartet - defenders Nathan Jones, Chris Perkins, Leo Roget and midfielder Kevin Maher - who have to make a final decision this week.

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