League One outfit Southend have revealed plans to forge an affiliation with Spanish club CD Javea ahead of the new season.The link-up will see the Shrimpers and Javea - who play in the Regional Preferente Grupo III - exchange players as well as allowing Steve Tilson's side to go out and train in Spain.

"We have been working on this since Christmas last year," confirmed Southend chief executive Geoffrey King.

"Ray Osbourne, one of the club's directors, made an introduction through CD Javea's English president Mark Catlin.

"Mr Catlin has some excellent contacts with top Spanish sides which will hopefully lead to the opportunity to sign players and arrange friendlies.

"In return we will loan youth players to Javea to aid their development."

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