SOUTHEND United are under a transfer embargo due to money owed to HMRC, Echosport understands.

The Shrimpers did not make a single signing during the January transfer window.

But it is believed the club are hopeful of being free to complete deals next week.

Former Macclesfield Town defender Theo Vassell put pen to paper on a deal yesterday but his deal cannot be officially registered until the embargo is cleared.

The Shrimpers are also believed to have agreed terms with goalkeeper Ted Smith.