Jay Simpson's time at Leyton Orient could be coming to and end with League One Southend confirming their interest in the striker.

Shrimpers manager Phil Brown has confirmed the two clubs are in talks over the 27-year-old's future, after he missed the O's league opener at Cheltenham on Saturday with what the club termed an "illness".

Speaking after the game, manager Andy Hessenthaler said he did not know whether Simpson would be leaving the club, but any potential move seems a lot closer after the confirmed interest from Essex.

Brown told BBC Sport: "Both clubs are talking and it's in the hands of the financial directors at Orient and my chairman.

"It's a case of watch this space. I'm hopeful that I'll improve the squad, not just in that area but in others."

Any move for Simpson would mark a significant loss for Orient, with the former Arsenal man favourite to top the League Two scoring charts this season, and with 25 league goals under his belt last season.