A GROUP of businessmen are in advanced talks to buy Southend United.

It can now be confirmed that Blues chairman Ron Martin has held discussions with the group which includes Peter Taylor’s son in law Simon Jackson and former Westcliff High School pupil Kris Tremaine from Kimura Capital, an investment and asset management company.

Integral Sports Management – who have links to Southend due to Great Wakering based tennis player Ryan Peniston – are also part of the bid.

Reports in the Athletic revealed the link was formed when Tremaine joined the board of ISM last year.

The Echo reported last June that Hollywood actor Ray Winstone co-founded ISM with Gary Petitt back in February 2022.

But it is not known if Winstone is involved in the bid at this stage.

However, the group are keen to purchase the club as well as the new stadium and are also known to want to save the Shrimpers’ academy.

Veteran financier Laurie Pinto, who helped broker the Glazers’ takeover of Manchester United, has also been involved with the group.

Controversial chairman Ron Martin put the Shrimpers up for sale in March after 25 years in charge.

Martin has struggled to finance the club in recent seasons with staff paid late on regular occasions.

Blues have also been under a transfer embargo since September due to money owed to HMRC.

The club also have until July 12 to pay off an outstanding tax bill of £250,000 after surviving another winding up petition earlier this month.