SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is keen to hold talks with Kevin Davies about the experienced striker’s future in the game.

Davies, who worked with Brown at Bolton Wanderers, is available on a free transfer following his release from Preston North End.

But Brown believes 38-year-old Davies still has something to offer.

And the Shrimpers chief would be keen to hold discussions with the former England international.

“I know Kevin well from when we were at Bolton and I would certainly welcome the opportunity to talk to him and see what he wants to do next,” Brown admitted.

“I do believe that he still has something to offer as a player for another year, but I’ve read a few bits about his situation and I don’t know whether or not he wants to go into coaching.

“I’m not too sure if that would be possible with us, but we do have a vacancy after Dave Penney’s departure so I would like to talk to Kevin.

“But it’s not one I’m holding out on.”

Davies started his career with Chesterfield before going on to play for Southampton and Blackburn Rovers who signed him for £7.5million in June 1998.

The targetman also spent 10 years with Bolton before spending two seasons with Preston who he helped to win promotion from the League One play-offs last season.

Davies also came on as a second half substitute for England in their Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro in October 2010.

He has made 820 appearances during his lengthy career and has scored 150 goals.