SOUTHENDUnited are reportedly interested in signing former Swindon Town striker Nicky Ajose from Charlton Athletic.

Ajose, who has scored seven goals in 28 appearances this season, has not featured since New Year’s Eve.

The Adver understands that there has been no approach for last season’s top scorer by Town at this stage.

SHEFFIELD United are set to make a swoop for Bradford City striker James Hanson as they look to secure automatic promotion.

Twenty-nine-year-old Hanson, who has been at Valley Parade since 2009, is out of contract in the summer and expected to sign for an undisclosed fee.

WEST Ham United striker Toni Martinez has joined Oxford United on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old, who says he turned down other offers to join Michael Appleton’s side, has been in red-hot form for the Hammers’ U23 side this season, scoring 12 goals in 11 appearances.

CHAMPIONSHIP side Derby County have aided Coventry City in their relegation fight after loaning out striker Charles Vernam for the remainder of the season.

The 20-year-old, who has played three times in the Checkatrade Trophy this season, is the second Rams player to join the Sky Blues this window following last week’s arrival of defender Farrend Rawson.

RYAN Lowe has rejoined Bury for the third time in his career, signing a player-coach deal after having his contract with League Two side Crewe Alexandra mutually terminated.

CHARLTON Athletic striker Igor Vetokele has completed a loan move to Belgian First Division A side Sint-Truiden until the end of the season.

Meanwhile, the south east London club are keen to offer a new long-term contract to midfielder Anfernee Dijksteel amidst interest from Premier League side Everton and European giants Ajax.

COVENTRY City have offered a trial to former Birmingham City winger Navid Nasseri.

OLDHAM Athletic made a grand gesture to both their own fans and those following Peterborough United last night after letting them in to the re-arranged fixture at Boundary Park for free.

MILLWALL have been given a much-needed boost after Lewisham’s cabinet member for housing, Damien Egan, has called for the planning application that puts the club’s future at The Den in serious doubt to be reviewed.

SOUTHEND United have sacked their club groundsman of 27 years, Ken Hare, following the postponement of Saturday’s match with Bolton Wanderers at Roots Hall.

The club issued a statement which said: “People generally lose their position as a result of not doing their job. The necessary decision surrounding Mr Hare was a disappointment and of course not taken lightly.”