Dirk Kuyt 'to follow Henrik Larsson to Southend United'

Henrik Larsson is reportedly on the verge of taking over League One side Southend United, with Dirk Kuyt also set to arrive at Roots Hall as the Swede's assistant.

The Blues have been without a permanent manager since Kevin Bond left the post last month.

A poor start to the 2019-20 campaign has seen the Essex club win just one of their 12 matches, suffering 10 defeats in the process to sit in 22nd spot in the table.

Southend chairman Ron Martin recently revealed that an appointment was close, however, and according to the Southend Echo, Larsson is in 'pole position' to take the job.

The report claims that former Liverpool striker Kuyt is expected to arrive as Larsson's assistant.

The 39-year-old, who played over 100 times for the Netherlands during a 14-year international career, announced his retirement as a player at the end of the 2016-17 campaign following spells with the likes of Utrecht, Feyenoord, Liverpool and Fenerbahce.

The Dutchman has since been coaching Feyenoord's Under-19 outfit.