SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has launched an ambitious move for ex Reading striker Noel Hunt.

The 32-year-old Irishman was recently released by Ipswich Town.

And Shrimpers boss Brown has already held talks with the forward about a move to Roots Hall.

“I’ve spoken to Noel and he’s a quality footballer who I would absolutely love to bring to the football club,” said the Blues chief.

“As you would expect he has a lot of interest from elsewhere but when I spoke to him he did seem quite keen.

“The advantage we have is that his agent helped organise our train to Spain and been out here with us so we’ve been able to talk about one or two things.

“We will do what we can to try and make it happen but we do have a lot of competition in trying to secure his signature.”

Hunt began his career in Ireland with Shamrock Rovers before moving to Scotland and playing for Dunfermline and Dundee United.

After that the striker spent five years with Reading before teaming up with both Leeds United and Ipswich Town.

Hunt, whose brother Stephen is still with Ipswich, has made 367 appearances during his career, scoring 81 goals.

He has also won three caps for Republic of Ireland.