SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has enquired about signing Queens Park Rangers striker Hogan Ephraim on loan.

The Blues boss is keen to strengthen his strikeforce as the Shrimpers look to end a nine-match winless streak.

And Brown would love to be able to bring 25-year-old Ephraim to Roots Hall.

“When you look at the qualities we want to bring to this football club, Hogan just oozes them,” said Brown.

“He has that kind of pace and extra quality we need in the final third and that’s why we’ve enquired about trying to bring him in.

“Whether or not he’s available or would want to come to us I don’t know.

“It’s one that I would say is up in the air at the moment but we would certainly love to sign him.”

Ephraim, 25, came through the youth ranks at West Ham United but failed to make a first team appearance for the Hammers.

He spent time on loan with Colchester United before joining QPR, initially on loan in 2007.

Ephraim has also been on loan with Leeds United, Charlton Athletic, Bristol City, FC Toronto and Peterborough United.

But Brown has alternative targets drawn up and would ideally like to bring in some experienced heads.

“I think we have quite a young team and it would be great if we could get a few older players in alongside them,” said the Blues boss.

“I think I could well be looking for a few favours from managers I’m friends with. But it’s hard because people don’t want to let those type of players out, so we might have to get more youngsters.”

Brown added he could still bring in another centre-back along with another striker and went to watch Derby County’s under-21 team in action against Barnsley yesterday to scout potential new signings.