Steve Tilson has signed four players this summer

Southend United manager Steve Tilson has re-iterated his desire to sign at least three new players before the transfer deadline at the end of August.

The Blues open their League One campaign on Saturday when Peterborough United visit Roots Hall.

Tilson told BBC Essex: "It's difficult. We're looking in certain areas and at certain wage levels, so it's not easy.

"We'll still be out and about looking at some games in the week and hopefully we can get three of four in."

It has been a summer of change at the Essex side, with long-serving players goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan and midfielders Mark Gower and Kevin Maher among those leaving the club.

Keeper Steve Collis, and strikers Gary Hooper and Charlie McDonald have also left for new challenges.

Former Luton left-back Lewis Emanuel played for Southend in their 2-1 friendly victory at Wycombe on Saturday and a decision on whether he'll join permanently is expected this week.

Tilson has also expressed an interest in signing Chelsea's Anthony Grant, who is available on a free transfer.