Southend United's transfer-listed striker Neil Campbell is on the verge of making a £15,000 move to Doncaster Rovers.

Blues boss Alan Little confirmed yesterday that Campbell had travelled north to thrash out a deal with the Conference League outfit, who are keen to recruit the gangly targetman.

"Doncaster have been watching Neil for the past couple of weeks and have followed up their interest by asking to talk to the player," explained Little.

"We don't want to stand in Neil's way and have allowed him to travel to Yorkshire and meet Doncaster's officials, who should hopefully tie up a deal with him by the end of today."

The 23-year-old forward has suffered a torrid time at Roots Hall following his £12,000 move south from Scarborough 13 months ago.

Campbell, who was signed by former Southend manager Alvin Martin, but served under current Shrimpers chief Little at York City, has only made 23 league appearances for Blues, scoring just three goals.

However, the shaven-headed hitman, who has started the Third Division strugglers' last five matches without finding the net, is thought to be relishing the chance of re-launching his flagging career back among his northern roots.

"Neil sees Doncaster as a club closer to home, who get good crowds and have the potential to be a big team in the future," added Little.

"Their manager Ian Snodin knows Neil very well from their days together at Scarborough and believes he can play a part in helping Doncaster regain their Football League status in the near future.

"It's all up to Neil now and he must decide if he wants to make this move away from Southend."

And Little added that Blues already have another front-runner lined-up to replace Campbell, who is currently deputising for crocked ten-goal man Neil Tolson.

"We've been speaking to a Second Division club who have agreed in principle to letting one of their strikers come to Roots Hall for the rest of the season," said Little.

"The player is keen to come here and play football and we are in the process of finalising the fine details."

Southend's Nathan Jones has been told he can't appeal against his sending-off at Brighton on Saturday.

The wing-back was dismissed after picking up two yellow cards for fouls, but has been told that a protest can only be lodged in cases of mistaken identity or violent conduct.

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