Southend United boss Steve Wignall revealed today he is trying to tempt England under-21 goalkeeper Rhys Evans to Roots Hall.
Blues are currently without a shot-stopper after releasing Darryl Flahavan and Danny Gay at the end of last season.
And Wignall said he wanted to plug the gap by capturing free transfer Evans, who could line-up against Slovakia in the European championships under-21 qualifier at the Stadium of Light tomorrow night.
"I first spoke to Rhys last month and it would be a massive coup if we could bring a keeper of his quality to Roots Hall," said the Shrimpers chief.
"We had a chat before he went away with the England under-21 squad, but I was left to fear the worst last week when he got injured during the 3-2 friendly win over Serbia and Montenegro.
"Rhys suffered a back spasm and had to be stretchered off the pitch just after half-time.
"But he rang me over the weekend to say he was okay now and hoped to play against Slovakia tomorrow night."
Evans, 21, has just been released by Chelsea, where he failed to make a Premiership appearance.
But the 6ft 1in custodian has tasted action on loan at Bristol Rovers, Leyton Orient and Queens Park Rangers, clocking up 22 league games.
Published Monday, June 9, 2003
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