SOUTHEND United chairman Ron Martin revealed in the High Court yesterday that he expects the Shrimpers to be sold by the end of September.

And it is Australian Justin Rees who is leading a consortium to take charge of Blues.

Mr Rees is listed as the co-founder of Eighty20 Solutions on his LinkedIn page having studied at the University of Technology in Sydney.

Mr Rees has previously worked for Liquid Capital Group Derivatives Trading where he was a trainee trader before becoming program manager at Westpac.

Mr Rees was then also program manager at Transport for NSW before setting up Eighty20 Solutions in March 2018.

He has since stepped away from the company and has his sights sets on the Shrimpers.

Mr Rees has met with members of Blues staff and has also spoken to MP Anna Firth.

Ms Firth said: "I am aware of the potential buyer and have had several conversations with him and believe they are committed to the purchase and have the club’s best interest at heart.

"I am sure you will understand I cannot provide more details at this time but will endeavour to update you again as soon as I am able."

Speaking in court, Mr Martin insisted due diligence was very advanced with the buyer and also stressed he expected the sale to have been completed before the club's next visit to the High Court in early October.

The club later released a statement to confirm talks were continuing.

It said: “Negotiations are at an advanced stage with a consortium led by an Australian national, and comprising of a group of local businessmen.

“Completion is targeted before 1 October.

“Until the sale of the club completes, everyone involved with the club, supporters, staff and stakeholders will of course be anxious about its future.”