Blues boss Alvin Martin is desperate to recruit new players who can help the Seasiders climb back into the Third Division promotion race.

German midfielder Lars Unger jetted into Roots Hall on Tuesday to try and earn a permanent contract with Southend United and the 28-year-old German will be given a week to prove himself to the Shrimpers chief.

"Unger is set to join us for training so we can have a good look at him," said Martin.

"He is a very experienced midfielder who is strong in the tackle and has played at the very top level in Germany's equivalent of the Premier League - the Bundesliga.

"German players are very similar to English footballers and I believe that they are more compatible to our game than players from any other European nation.

"Unger comes highly recommended and if he impresses during his stay he could earn himself a permanent contract at Roots Hall."

Martin also revealed that he hoped to tie up another piece of transfer business by completing the signing of 21-year-old Scarborough striker Neil Campbell.

Campbell is another player who has been on a week's trial with the Shrimpers and Martin has decided to make him part of his plans.

"In his short time at Roots Hall Campbell has done enough to convince us he has a future with Southend.

"He performed well in a practice match at Ipswich last week and has impressed us with his power in the air and his mobility on the ground.

"However, I know some supporters will look at this signing and criticise me for bringing another young forward to the club - like when I spent £90,000 on Barry Conlon.

"But Campbell is a long-term signing and is a good prospect who will become even better with the right coaching from us.

"We are already looking forward to next season when we will have our reserve team back which will benefit players like Campbell who we are bringing in to strengthen our squad."

Campbell turned down a £15,000 move to Southend's Second Division Essex rivals Colchester United last week and Blues are believed to be paying a similar fee for the young forward.

During his time with Scarborough Campbell, who has had a spell on loan at Conference outfit Telford United this season, has hit seven league goals in 35 appearances.

New striker - Neil Campbell is due to sign for Southend from fellow Third Division side Scarborough

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