OUT-OF-FAVOUR Argyle defender Chris Barker has completed a move to League Two club Southend United on a full-time transfer.

Barker, 30, had impressed during a one-month loan spell with Paul Sturrock's Shrimpers.

He started six matches — four in League Two and two in the Carling Cup — either at left-back or in the centre of defence.

Barker trained with Argyle's youth team squad on Monday, on the completion of his loan spell with Southend.

But, following further talks between the two clubs, Barker (pictured right) returned to Southend yesterday to finalise his transfer.

Barker was signed by Sturrock for Argyle from Queens Park Rangers for an undisclosed fee in August 2008.

He made a total of 58 appearances for the Pilgrims, including 52 starts.

Barker was told by Argyle manager Peter Reid early in pre-season he did not figure in his plans at Home Park.

Meanwhile, Argyle's versatile left-side player Jim Paterson has decided against a transfer to Greek Super League club Kavala.

The 30-year-old trained with the rest of the Pilgrims' squad at UCP Marjon yesterday morning.

Paterson trained with Kavala last week and they wanted to sign him, but he could not agree financial terms with the Greek club.

"I don't think the deal in Greece came up to his standard so he is still here," said Reid.

Paterson has made only two substitute appearances for Argyle this season.

The second one came in the closing stages of the 3-0 League One defeat by Peterborough United at Home Park on Saturday.

Paterson is under contract to Argyle until June 2011.