Scottish striker Alex Burns and winger Adrian Clarke are the two players most likely to leave Roots Hall before Thursday's transfer deadline, Southend United boss Alvin Martin revealed today.

Burns, who joined Third Division Blues from Dutch side Heracles on a free transfer during the summer, is attracting the interest of two Premier League sides north of the border.

The 25-year-old forward, who has made 27 league appearances and scored five goals this season, is desperate to return home for personal reasons and has slapped in an official transfer request.

However, Shrimpers chief Martin has decided to show fans favourite Clarke, who has played 75 league games scoring seven goals since joining Blues from Arsenal, the exit door.

"I'm hoping both players can get fixed-up with new clubs before Thursday's deadline, either permanently or on loan until the end of the season," explained Martin.

"We've made Alex available for transfer because he needs to return to Scotland for family reasons and we've decided we won't be renewing Adrian's contract at the end of the season."

However, Martin is sure that 24-year-old Clarke can put his Roots Hall disappointment behind him and make the grade with another league club.

"Adrian has undoubted potential, great technical ability and is a good finisher for a wide player, but he has never produced anywhere near what he is capable of during my time at Southend," Martin said.

Another player who could leave Roots Hall this week is unhappy shot-stopper Martyn Margetson who is being courted by Second Division Blackpool.

"I will be speaking to the chairman about Martyn's situation today, but he is under contract for another two seasons and if we want him to fulfill it he will," Martin added.

However, Martin was keeping tightlipped about any players who may be joining the Seasiders, although he is believed to be interested in two midfield players.

"We've got a big squad here at the moment and I need to get players out, but I'm keeping an eye on a couple of things and will again be speaking to the chairman about them," he said.

Martin will be taking a 24-man squad up the A12 today for a practice match against First Division Norwich City.

More than 150 Blues supporters questioned Southend chairman John Main about the proposed £4 million sale of Roots Hall at a fans forum held at Boots and Laces last night.

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