SOUTHEND want to sign Sam McQueen on a season long loan from Saints.

McQueen spent five months on loan at Roots Hall in the last campaign and proved a popular player, not only with the fans but importantly with manager Phil Brown.

The 21-year-old has just been involved in the Saints pre-season training camp in America, and so any potential loan move will depend on whether Claude Puel sees McQueen as a player likely to break into his first team plans any time soon.

If not then McQueen could go out on loan, like teammate Jason McCarthy, who has joined Walsall until January.

Southend boss Brown said: “We’ve registered or interest in Sam and would definitely like to have him back with us on loan again next season.

“I think Sam is a very talented young player who would certainly add something different to our squad.

“I understand he’s been playing really well during pre-season and has caught the during Southampton’s tour of America.

“I’m not sure he’s going to be involved with their first team though so we’re hoping that we will be able to get something out.”