FORMER Nottingham Forest defender Julian Bennett is hoping to secure a contract with Southend United.
The 28-year-old full back or central defender has already had trials with Notts County this summer. He has now linked up with the Shrimpers on their pre-season training camp in Madrid.
Bennett was released by Sheffield Wednesday at the end of last season and is available on a free transfer.
"Julian is a left sided centre-back or a left-back who has played for Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest so we'll be having a real good look at him while we're out here," said Southend manager Phil Brown.
"He's met up with us now and will be training with the team tonight so it's an opportunity for us to get to know him and see what he's capable of."
Bennett was on Forest's books as a youngster, but ended up coming through the Walsall youth system, making 61 appearances for the Saddlers, before then returning to Forest.
He played 110 times for the Reds but saw his career hampered at the City Ground by a serious knee injury that kept him out for more than a year. But Bennett has fully recovered from that injury and his hoping to extend his career on the south coast.
Other transfer rumours:
Arsenal are ready with a £40million bid for Liverpool's Luis Suarez. Arsene Wenger has identified Suarez as his primary summer target and are ready to make a serious effort to land the player. (Daily Mirror)
David Moyes is considering smashing the British transfer record with a bid for Spurs star Gareth Bale. United have a £100m transfer kitty and the manager is willing to blow the majority of it on a move for the Welshman. (The Times)
United are ready with a final bid of £34m for Cesc Fabregas. Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has written to United telling them to keep their hands off the midfielder, but United will test their resolve. (Daily Mirror)
Paul Lambert is set to sell one of his highly paid fringe players, in the form of former Forest loan signing Alan Hutton, who is interesting Real Mallorca. (Daily Telegraph)
Spurs have made a £22million plus add-ons bid for Valencia front man Roberto Soldado. (Daily Mirror)
QPR have agreed a fee for Wolves midfielder Karl Henry. (Daily Mirror)
West Brom are keen on Stoke City striker Kenwyne Jones. (Metro)
QPR are struggling to agree personal terms with Gary Hooper – also understood to be on Forest's radar - after agreeing a fee with Celtic. Norwich could now be in the driving seat. (Daily Mirror)
