SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has confirmed he is interested in midfield duo Matthew Lund and Ben Reeves after they were both released from their Premier League clubs.

Lund was let go by Stoke City after four years at the Britannia Stadium while Reeves was released by Southampton following 12 years with the Saints.

And Brown, who worked with both players when they were on loan at Blues last season, would like to see them return to Roots Hall.

“I was impressed with Matthew’s attitude and mentality in the end when he was with us last season,” said Brown.

“Ben will also be a great asset to somebody if he can stay on the field of play for 30 or 40 games which he’s not used to doing.

“And if that was with Southend, then fantastic.”

Reeves, 21, joined Blues from Southampton in January and netted twice in 13 appearances.

The midfielder memorably scored the decisive goal in the JPT southern section final against Leyton Orient to send the Shrimpers to Wembley.

However, Reeves started just two of Brown’s eight games in charge after he replaced Paul Sturrock in the Roots Hall hot-seat and is likely to attract interest from elsewhere.

Lund, who came to Blues in February, was initially out of favour under Brown and was left out of the squad for the JPT final against Crewe Alexandra.

But he worked his way back in to the team towards the end of the season and left having made 13 appearances.

Both Lund and Reeves are available on free transfers.