FORMER Braintree Town defender Ollie Kensdale could be set to sign for their Essex neighbours Southend United.

The 21-year-old defender, who was one of seven under-23 players to leave Colchester United by mutual consent in February, has been training with Blues.

According to the Southend Echo, the National League side are keen to snap up the central defender once their transfer embargo is lifted.

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Kensdale has been training with the Shrimpers and could be seen joining in with the warm up against Notts County last Saturday.

The Colchester-born defender came through the youth ranks at the U's, joining them at the age of seven.

The former St Benedict's Catholic College pupil was handed his senior Colchester debut by John McGreal in November, 2018 in a Football League Trophy match at Cambridge United.

It meant he became the first U's player born after 2000 and he signed his first professional contract at the end of 2018, until the summer of 2021.

But Kensdale made only three league appearances for the U's and had a number of loan spells away from the club, including a stint at National League South side Braintree Town.

He also spent time on loan with Maldon and Tiptree and Bath City before being released by the U's and joining Concord Rangers.