A £100,000 bid was rejected on transfer deadline day, but Shrimpers boss Steve Tilson could land the wantaway player on loan.
Although clubs are restricted from signing players from other clubs until January, loans are permitted.
Tilson said: "The move for Jamal isn't dead in the water.
"We are still talking to Rotherham and we might be able to get him on loan until January.
"I believe that he wants to come to Southend and if we can get him on a loan until the New Year then we will certainly try and do that."
Although clubs are restricted from signing players from other clubs until January, loans are permitted.
Tilson said: "The move for Jamal isn't dead in the water.
"We are still talking to Rotherham and we might be able to get him on loan until January.
"I believe that he wants to come to Southend and if we can get him on a loan until the New Year then we will certainly try and do that."