SOUTHEND United are set to discover in the next 48 hours whether or not they have been successful in their pursuit of Crystal Palace midfielder Alassane N’Diaye.

The Echo understands Blues are keen to bring the Frenchman to the club on a season-long loan deal.

And personal terms, which have yet to be agreed, will be discussed in the next two days.

N’Diaye, 21, is of French-Senegalese origin and stands at 6ft 5ins tall.

He played youth football in France for Sochaux and in Switzerland for FC Alle before joining Crystal Palace in June 2009.

Since then, he has made 42 appearances for the Eagles, scoring three goals.

But he fell out of favour when former Southend striker Dougie Freedman took over at Selhurst Park back in January and ended last season on loan at Swindon Town.

While with the Robins, N’Diaye made six appearances but he was unable to help keep them in League One.

N’Diaye is now keen to again taste regular first team football on a regular basis and is interested in joining Blues, who want to add more power to their midfield next season.

However, Southend’s interest in N’Diaye points towards skipper Craig Easton leaving Roots Hall.

FULL STORY IN MONDAY'S ECHO