SOUTHEND United have opted to extend Timothee Dieng's contract, Echosport understands.

The Frenchman has skippered the Shrimpers since Sol Campbell was appointed as manager back in October.

And Blues have now opted to trigger an extra year in Dieng's current deal which will see him contracted to the club until the end of next season.

The 27-year-old joined the Shrimpers after opting to leave Bradford City in the summer of 2018 and has now made 74 appearances for the club.

Dieng originally signed for Blues as a midfielder but he has lined up at centre-back in the vast majority of matches since Campbell's appointment.

Dieng follows Elvis Bwomono in having his contract extended.