THE consortium headed up by Justin Rees will be taking their time to digest developments before deciding their next move in trying to buy Southend United.

Southend City Council leader Daniel Cowan released a statement on Friday evening revealing talks with Citizen Housing over the revised plans for the Fossetts Farm project have been approved to move forward.

However, terms have only been partially met meaning further work will be needed next week before being ready for new due diligence.

The deal must be agreed before the consortium can officially take charge of the club but the group of businessmen have also made clear what else must happen.

In a statement issued earlier this month, the consortium insisted they also require more security from Shrimpers chairman Ron Martin and an acceptable time estimation for the remaining due diligence.

The consortium exchanged contracts with Martin for the sale of the club just before Christmas but are still officially waiting to take control.

The group are understood to be considering their next move and a statement is likely in the next couple of days.

To add to the uncertainty, Blues are back in the High Court on Wednesday due to a winding up petition issued by Stewarts Law and PG Site Services which totals around £500,000.

The winding up petition has also seen the Shrimpers placed in a transfer embargo.