Wednesday 3 July 2013 12:59, UK
Southend have activated a 12-month option on goalkeeper Daniel Bentley and remain in talks over a new long-term contract.
Bentley's existing deal expired this summer but the Shrimpers held a further one-year extension clause which has tied him down at Roots Hall for the forthcoming season. However, the League Two club remain keen to strike fresh terms with the 19-year-old and keep him in Essex beyond 2014. Bentley, who rose through the youth ranks to enjoy his first-team debut in October 2011, made nine starts last term and a further two appearances off the bench in his most successful campaign to date although Paul Smith dominated between the sticks.