SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown will today hold further talks with Jakub Sokolik’s agent in a bid to bring the Czech defender to the club on a permanent basis.

Sokolik impressed while on loan with the Shrimpers from Liverpool at the end of last season.

And Brown is now hopeful of bringing the 20-year-old back to Blues.

“I would say we’re in the box seat at the moment when it comes to signing Jakub,” said the Blues boss.

“I will be meeting with his agent, Colin Murdock, today to try and get it over the line and I think we all know he would be a fantastic signing for us because he did very well indeed when he was on loan.”

Sokolik made 12 appearances during his two month spell with Southend and is currently back home in the Czech Republic following his release from Liverpool.

But, before his departure, the defender spoke with Brown and told him he would be keen to come back to Roots Hall.

“Jakub was very positive about the football club and his time with us when we had his appraisal,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“We were also very positive about him and we are certainly doing all we can to make sure he’s with us again next season now.”

Sokolik formed a fine partnership with fellow loanee John Egan to help Blues reach the play-offs last season.

However, Egan is not expected to come back to the Shrimpers as clubs from the Championship and League Two are believed to be interested in signing him.