Southend United chairman Ron Martin has admitted defeat in his pursuit of Republic of Ireland B international Roy O'Donovan with the Cork City striker appearing on the brink of joining Fulham.

The League One side have been interested in the highly-rated 21-year-old for more than a year, but Martin has finally conceded defeat to the Premier League outfit.

"We've been trying for a long time to bring Roy to Roots Hall but it looks like we've failed," Martin told the club's official website.

"He's expected to go to Fulham now which is a pity because I believe he could have been something special for this football club. Unfortunately the lure of the Premier League looks to have won the day."