Southend United's Phil Brown targeting "five new players"

Southend United boss Phil Brown is hopeful that he will have as many as "five new players" on board before the Blues open their League One campaign early next month.

Brown is currently working hard to boost his squad following their promotion and has also revealed that chairman Ron Martin has been "very supportive" during pre-season.

"Pre-season friendlies are a necessary evil for match fitness, but the players will be ready for the match against Fleetwood Town on August 8," he told BBC Sport.

"Hopefully we'll also be boosted by three, four or even five new players. The next three weeks are going to be very, very important, in fact until the window closes.

"The chairman has been very supportive. We're trying to get the players in, but it's difficult trying to get them in, but come August 8 we'll be ready."

Southend have today rejected an offer, believed to be in the region of £1m, from Hull City for 22-year-old goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.