Southend United manager Phil Brown admitted he was still interested in signing Leyton Orient striker Jay Simpson.

Simpson, who scored 25-goals in the 2015/16 season, said last week he wanted to leave Brisbane Road. 

The 28-year-old was linked with the Blues in the summer and according to the Southend Echo Brown knows more firepower is needed in his squad.

He said: "I've seen what's happened with Jay Simpson and it is something which still interests me.

"I'm definitely in the market for another striker, we've spoken to two or three clubs and are in talks about bringing them in either on loan or a permanent basis.

"But Jay is someone we wanted to sign in the summer and I'm definitely still interested.

"It hasn't gone any further than that at the moment but he's a good player and is one we'll definitely keep an eye on."

Simpson has only managed to score three goals in 17 appearances in this campaign and is keen to leave Orient who sits 20th in the League Two table.

Coventry and Charlton Athletic are also rumoured to be interested in the former Arsenal trainee. 

The forward's deal at the O's expires at the end of the season where he would be able to leave on a free transfer. 

Simpson has scored 78 goals during his career.