Phil Whelan, one of the many players to turn down the new contracts they have been offered by Oxford United, is dropping down to Division 3 to join Southend United.

The centre back is expected to put pen to paper at Roots Hall today, and Southend manager Alan Little, who is looking for a possible captain as well as an experienced defender, is regarding the capture as a major coup.

Whelan has reportedly told Little that he wasn't prepared to re-sign for Oxford because they have only offered a one-year deal. He is joining Southend on a two-year contract.