FORMER Swindon Town striker Nile Ranger is poised to sign for League One rivals Southend United, according to reports this morning.

Sources at the Shrimpers told the Echo in Essex that the controversial frontman was set to join the club for pre-season training today in an attempt to get his career back on track.

The 25-year-old has not taken to the pitch since November 2014 following a series of incidents that have blighted his career.

He joined Swindon Town in August 2013, scoring 10 goals in 24 games before joining Blackpool at the start of the following season.

However, he went AWOL from the Seasiders for 10 months, something he later explained was down to the death of two friends, but, once he returned to Bloomfield Road, Blackpool no longer wanted him and the forward needed the help of the PFA to help him get out of his contract.

Ranger made 62 appearances for Newcastle and also spent time on loan with both Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday before joining Town.

“Nile is expected to be in for pre-season training today and should be signing for an initial month,” said a source told the Echo.

“If that goes to plan then he will sign a longer deal but there are clauses in place for the contract to be terminated if he misbehaves.

“Nile has made mistakes in the past but there’s no denying his talent and Southend hope he’s learnt from what he’s done wrong and will be keen to prove a point here.”