SOUTHEND United winger Stephen McLaughlin is wanted by Mansfield Town, Echosport understands.

The Irishman is to be offered another contract with the Shrimpers after his current deal expired this summer.

But the 30-year-old is being strongly linked with the Stags who are managed by former Blues assistant manager Graham Coughlan.

McLaughlin has been at Roots Hall since 2015 and has made 185 appearances for the club.

McLaughlin started Southend’s League Two play-off final success against Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley in 2015.