SOUTHEND United face competition to bring midfielder Michael Timlin to the club on a permanent basis.

Timlin has shone since joining Blues on loan from Swindon Town in late August.

But his current deal at Roots Hall expires at the start of January.

The Echo understands talks between Southend’s chief executive Tara Brady and Swindon’s interim chairman Jeremy Wray went well ahead of Tuesday night’s game between the two teams.

However, another League Two team have now joined the race for Timlin’s signature.

The 28-year-old is believed to favour a permanent switch to Southend but it is likely to take a five figure sum for any transfer to take place.

Timlin has scored twice in 17 appearances while with Blues and looks set to return to the starting line-up at Cheltenham Town this weekend after missing Tuesday's 2-1 defeat to Swindon through suspension.