SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has confirmed he is still interested in signing West Ham United striker Elliot Lee.

But the Shrimpers boss does not yet feel the forward is ready to return to action.

Lee injured his hamstring just half an hour in to his first training after joining Blues on loan in late October.

And Brown has been keeping tabs on the youngster’s progress ever since.

“I’m still interested in bringing Elliot Lee back to the football club but I don’t think he’s quite ready to play on a regular basis at the moment,” said Brown.

“I’ve spoken to West Ham quite regularly about his progress ever since his loan spell with us came to end.

“He played an hour in a match last week before coming off and he was still feeling some pain and discomfort in his hamstring.

“The last thing I want to do is bring him back in only for him to break down again so I will continue to monitor the situation.”

Wycombe Wanderers, Burton Albion and Luton Town are also now believed to be interested in Lee.

But Brown insists Blues are also still very much in the race to sign the 20-year-old, despite the recent arrivals of both Joe Pigott and Jake Cassidy on loan.

Brown also has Barry Corr, Shaq Coulthirst and Myles Weston to call on in attack, while Lee Barnard – who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury - is likely to return to action next month.

However, Brown is still keen to bring in Lee.

“I’ve been interested in bringing Elliot Lee to the football and that hasn’t changed,” he added.