LUKE Prosser has rejected Southend United´s offer of a new contract.

The 25-year-old defender has opted not to sign the deal he has been handed by the Shrimpers.

But Blues boss Phil Brown has not given up hope of keeping the centre-back at the club.

“Luke has informed us he will not be signing the contract offer we have made to him but it´s certainly not a dead duck,” said Brown.

“Contract negotiations are like a game of tennis and you hit the bacll backwards and forwards to each other until you hopefully settle on something.

“Luke is someone I would certainly like to keep though and the chairman is due to hold talks with his agent today so I´m hoping progress can be made.”

Prosser has been with Southend for the past three seasons, making 85 appearances.

He has figured at the heart of the defence, as well as left-back and has improved significanly during his time at Roots Hall.

The club also remain in contract talks with right-back Sean Clohessy and striking duo Barry Corr and Gavin Tomlin.

But Brown does not yet know if they will be putting pen to paper.

“They´re players we also want to keep but it´s an ongoing process,” confirmed Brown.

“We´re in talks with them all and it would be great if they were to remain with us.

“However, if they depart then we will look to bring others in.”

Brown also added he is still in talks with goalkeeper Daniel Bentley.

Blues have moved to activate a year´s option on his current contract but remain hopeful he will commit for another two or three seasons.