MARCUS Dackers is closing in on a return to Southend United.

The Salford City striker scored three goals in six games while on loan with the Shrimpers last term but was unable to extend his stay due to the club’s transfer embargo.

The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan with Woking before enjoying a month loan spell with Altrincham during the current campaign.

Dackers’ spell at Altrincham expired in at the start of January leaving him free to sign for the Shrimpers now the club are out of their embargo.

The deal is not yet done but Echosport understands the club are working hard to complete the loan ahead of Saturday’s clash at Eastleigh.

Blues have been short of strikers since top scorer Harry Cardwell suffered a knee injury in mid-November.

On-loan 18-year-old Henry Sandat is currently the only available option for the Shrimpers in attack with centre-back Brooklyn Kabongolo playing as a makeshift striker alongside him.