Town manager Wilder not ruling out second move for Southend defender Prosser

Wilder attempted to buy the former Port Vale man last summer, but the club’s bid for him was rejected by Shrimpers boss Phil Brown who was keen to keep the player following the club’s promotion to Sky Bet League One.

But it has emerged this week that Prosser, who has failed to nail down a regular starting spot in the Southend team this season, is unhappy and is keen to leave Roots Hall in the current transfer window.

“We had words last week and Luke’s made reference to not really wanting to be here,” said Brown. “And if players don’t want to be here, then I don’t want them here.

“We’ve had three or four clubs express an interest in Luke already. Leyton Orient were one of them before their manager went so I’m not too sure what’s going to happen and Northampton’s interest has also cooled off a little bit. But Stevenage and Dagenham are still keen and we will see what happens in the next few days.”

Wilder is happy with the squad he has with the Cobblers sitting joint top of league two, but has consistently said he will bring in players if it strengthens the group.

As far as central defenders go there are only three in the squad in Ryan Cresswell, Zander Diamond and Rod McDonald, with McDonald being the only left-footer, so it is an area that could do with some cover.

Prosser is a left-sided defender, and Wilder said: “Luke is one of a number of players that we were interested in, and we are always looking. We are always looking to lift and improve.

“Everybody has their own targets, and Luke was a player that we spoke about a long time ago.

“There are a lot of phone calls going around about who’s available and who’s not, but as I have said, I am delighted with the group we have got and they are playing really well.

“They are picking up fantastic results, and you have to be mindful of the fact that when you add to the squad you add at the right time, and you add good quality as we have done, and you keep an eye on if anything can go wrong.

“Have we got people to step in within the group?

“Are there players out there that can lift the group over the last 20 games? It is always an ongoing thing for us.”

Back in June it was revealed by Southend boss Brown that the Cobblers had made an offer to buy Prosser.

At the time Wilder said: “Luke is a player we are interested in as he is a left-footed centre-half.

“I spoke to Phil (Brown), and he said he would keep me in the loop regarding what’s happened.

“The player has signed an extension (at Southend) and is one of a number of players that we are chasing.”