SOUTHEND United manager Steve Tilson is holding transfer talks with three potential new signings.

The Blues boss is keen to bring fresh faces to the club as they bid to bounce back from last season's relegation from the Championship.

And he is currently in discussions with a trio of targets, although he is keeping tight-lipped over who the players are.

"At the moment we are talking to three players about a move to Southend," confirmed Tilson.

"I won't be putting a time limit on things concerning their decisions but we should be hearing back from them soon.

"We still have a lot of time to sort things out but it would be nice if we could get a couple of new players in a bit earlier on this season."

Tilson has already missed out on Billericay Town winger Chris Whelpdale, who opted to join Peterborough United instead of the Shrimpers.

The Wickford-born chief has therefore turned his attentions elsewhere and is believed to be talking to two strikers and one midfielder.

Tilson is known to be interested in Barnsley forward Paul Hayes and he is also holding talks with another consistent goal-getter who is currently out of contract at his club.

"It's a busy time of year because we're going through the lists of players and identifying possible targets, but hopefully we will hear back from these lads soon," he said.

"We think they would do well for our football club and hope to get them on board."