SOUTHEND United are leading the chase to sign Charlton’s out of favour midfielder Mark Gower.

The 35-year-old only joined the Addicks in the summer on a free transfer from Swansea having completed a successful loan spell in SE7 towards the end of last season.

However, the emergence of Jordan Cousins has limited first team opportunities at The Valley in 2013-14 for the former Tottenham trainee, who last featured in the 0-0 draw with Blackpool on October 5.

News Shopper understands several lower league sides have expressed an interest in Gower, although it is League Two high-flyers Southend who are keenest to get him.

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