Friday 28 December 2007 11:52, UK
Sheffield Wednesday striker Leon Clarke looks set to complete a permanent switch to Southend.
Clarke, 22, has been on loan at Roots Hall since the end of August, but the loan deal is due to expire after Saturday's game against Doncaster.
However, Southend chairman Ron Martin has revealed that a deal is in place to buy the player - providing some financial problems between Clarke and his club are resolved.
"Personal terms have been agreed with Leon and so has the price with Sheffield Wednesday," he told the club's official website.
"That was sorted when the loan was first sorted out, but there is still an issue with the agent about the money owed to Leon from Sheffield Wednesday.
"That's all that is holding the deal up at the moment, though, and we hope that will be sorted.
"And if that happens then it leaves the way for Leon to sign permanently for Southend United on Monday."
