SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher has confirmed the club are no longer in transfer talks with Rafferty Pedder.

The former Queens Park Rangers midfielder had been on trial with the Shrimpers during pre-season.

But, as the Echo revealed earlier this week, Blues have now ended their discussions with the 22-year-old who lined up in friendlies against Gillingham and Ballyfermot United.

“We spoke to him last week and his dad and his agent as well,” said Maher.

“We offered him something that was short term leading to longer term once he got games in, like we do with a lot of our players.

“It’s all incentive based and similar to what a lot of our young players are on.

“He wanted it a certain way but we weren’t going to change how we run as a club and what we do.

“He’s looking at his options elsewhere including abroad last time I spoke to him.”