SOUTHEND United are close to completing the loan signing of Northampton Town midfielder John-Joe O’Toole.

Blues boss Phil Brown has failed in two previous swoops for the 26-year-old.

But Echosport understands O’Toole is finally set to sign for the Shrimpers on loan until the end of January.

And he could make his debut this weekend against Northampton, who have given him permission to play.

Brown originally attempted to sign O’Toole in the summer of 2013 but he eventually opted to join Bristol Rovers.

He scored 15 goals while with the Pirates but was unable to keep the club in League Two as they suffered relegation in to the Conference on the final day of the season.

That led to O’Toole leaving the club and Brown again missed out on signing the midfielder when he chose to Northampton in June.

However, O’Toole has struggled to make an impression while with the Cobblers and has failed to score in 20 games this season.