Southend dismiss Cort talk

SOUTHEND UNITED boss Stewart Robson has moved to play down speculation linking young defender Leon Cort with Premiership titans Newcastle United.

The youngster has caught the eye with a string of composed displays for The Shrimpers this term, and press reports suggested Magpies boss Sir Bobby Robson had been impressed.

Stewart Robson has quickly responded to the speculation, saying he knows nothing of reported interest from Tyneside.

"It`s the first we`ve heard of it to be honest," Robson told the club`s website.

Cort has been offered a new contract by The Shrimpers and Robson expects the youngster to ink the deal in the near future.

"We still expect Leon to sign a new contract with us," Robson added.

In other news, United fielded a clutch of trialists during their reserve clash with Bristol City on Wednesday afternoon.

Goalkeeper Ryan Robertson, who was recently released by Blackburn, played in goal.

Southampton defender Andrew Robertson turned out again for The Shrimpers, having played for their reserves against Queens Park Rangers in February.

Also lining up alongside Bristol City were West Ham striker Danny Morris and Chelsea midfielder Andy Ross.

Southend have been boosted by the news that they have extended their sponsorship deal with GKC Communications Ltd.