Mohsni deal in the balance

Southend United are still considering a bid from West Ham for central defender Bilel Mohsni.

The Hammers submitted an offer - thought to be in the region of £150,000 - for the 25-year-old Frenchman earlier today and initial reports suggested that it had been rejected by the League Two club.

But according to local press, those reports were premature with Southend still considering West Ham's offer for a player who has just twelve months left on his current contract and who has already signalled a desire to try his luck elsewhere.

An unnamed spokesperson for the Shrimpers told the Echo today: "The offer is still being discussed by the football club," adding that "it hasn’t been accepted or rejected at this stage."

Meanwhile the player himself added: "At this moment I don’t know what is happening, but I think I should find out more over the weekend."

The defender, who can also play in attack made his debut in claret and blue at Grays last month before featuring for West Ham at Colchester and then in United's recent tour of Germany.

Speaking last month about his future away from Southend, he said: "I am leaving the club. I don't know where I will sign but I want to play at a higher level."