JAKUB Sokolik is set to leave Southend United when his contract expires next week.

The centre-back has made nine appearances so far this season but has not started a league game since the Shrimpers were seen off 4-0 at Scunthorpe United in September.

Sokolik - who had two previous loan spells at Roots Hall before returning in the summer - is likely to remain in the squad for Saturday’s clash with Charlton Athletic.

However, he is then likely to move on with League Two high-flyers Plymouth Argyle believed to be among those interested in signing him.

Blues could initially be short of defenders when Sokolik moves on, unless boss Phil Brown opts to bring Adam Barrett back into the squad.

Barrett has not been involved in 13 of the Shrimpers’ last 14 games with young Dan Matsuzaka having been selected ahead of him for a place on the bench.

But Shrimpers boss Phil Brown hopes the on-loan Ryan Inniss will soon be back in contention as he continues to recover from the dislocated shoulder he suffered at Millwall in early November.

“I’ve spoken to Ryan and he has another scan on his shoulder on Tuesday,” said Brown.

“A week after that he should hopefully be able to return to training and then we’re looking at him being available again by the end of January which would give everyone a big boost.”

Left-back Ben Coker is also closing in on a comeback from his injured ankle and is pushing to be available for this weekend's clash with Charlton.

And Brown - who also confirmed out of favour loanee Adam King would be staying at Roots Hall - remains keen to keep hold of Marc-Antoine Fortune.

“Marc’s contract runs out on January 23, which is later than I initially thought but I want to get the new deal sorted as quickly as we can,” said Brown.

“I thought he was fantastic against Wimbledon on Boxing Day and I want to get him signed up before other clubs might show an interest.

“We have a good record when he plays and that’s not a coincidence.”

Fortune has made 17 appearances for Blues so far this season, scoring one goal.