SOUTHEND United boss Chris Powell is still hopeful the Shrimpers are close to completing a loan swoop for a Championship defender.

The Shrimpers have been hampered by injuries throughout the season.

And Powell is keen to bolster his options at the back.

He said: “We’re hopeful it will get resolved early next week.”

However, Peterborough United left-back Colin Daniel has opted against making a loan switch to Blues.

Daniel has made 25 appearances for Posh so far this season but has not featured since starting against Barnsley on Boxing Day.

Shrimpers boss Powell, a former left-back himself, was keen to bring in Daniel as Stephen Hendrie is currently his only available option in that role with Ben Coker and Harry Kyprianou both ruled out for the rest of the season.  However, Daniel - who has made more than 400 appearances during his career - opted against a move to Roots Hall due to geographical reasons.

Powell has now turned his attentions elsewhere and remains keen to bring in a left-back currently on the books of a Championship club.