Former Tottenham trainee Maher has been a mainstay in the Southend midfield since signing in January 1998, making him the club's longest serving player with over 250 first team starts to his name. The 6ft 28-year-old is out of contract this summer and is currently weighing up a new 2-year offer.
24-year-old Cort - brother of Wolves forward Carl - is a defender who has made around 150 first team appearances over the last three seasons since signing on a free transfer from Millwall.
Elsewhere, City have offered a contract to Junior Lewis after Leicester let him go. However, there is no progress on the Curtis Woodhouse move. Taylor says the £100,000 offer made to Peterborough will not be increased.