Utility player in talks with boss Slade

Experienced utility man Jason Crowe, who joined Orient from Leeds in January, could be staying with the club.

The 32-year-old, who started his career at Arsenal and went on to play for Crystal Palace, Portsmouth, Brentford, Grimsby and Northampton, made 12 appearances for the O’s after his contract at Elland Road was cancelled by mutual consent at the start of the year.

Orient boss Russell Slade confirmed: “We are talking to his representatives and we’re not too far away. It’s an on-going thing at the moment.”

Crowe would be an ideal replacement for defender Andrew Whing, following his departure to Oxford United earlier in the week.

Slade has wasted little time as he starts to reshape his squad for next season: “I have spoken to five players and saw another one this week and will see someone else next week,” he said.

“With players going away, it’s hard to tie things down at the moment, but we are doing okay.”

The O’s boss is keeping potential targets close to his chest, but following the departure of top goalscorer Scott McGleish and fellow forward Ryan Jarvis, a striker tops his shopping list.

“Something could happen within the next few days, it’s as close as that,” revealed the Orient chief.

Slade has targeted three or four key signings and also hopes to make use of the loan market again next season, with possibly three players arriving by that route.