WATFORD striker Uche Ikpeazu is on the radar of Southend United manager Phil Brown.

The 18-year-old forward has been watched several times by the Shrimpers boss while in action for the Hornets.

And Brown is mulling over whether or not to make a loan move for the youngster.

“We’ve been to watch Watford a few times now and every time we do it’s Uche who is the one who stands out for us so he’s certainly someone we’re thinking about,” said Brown.

“He’s very raw and has a lot to learn but physically he’s a beast of a striker and he has a good goalscoring record too.”

Ipeauza, who stands at 6’3’’ tall, joined Watford from Reading just before the start of the season after scoring 28 goals in 28 games for the Royals’ under 18 team last term.

He scored hat-tricks against Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Blackburn and QPR and was the top scorer in the country at academy level.

Blues had another striker, Britt Assombalonga, on loan from Watford last season while defender Adam Thompson is currently also at the club from the Hornets.

But, due to the restrictions of a transfer embargo, Brown has just one more space in his squad to be able to fill.

And he must also decide whether or not to extend Don Cowan’s contract.

The striker’s initial month long deal expires after Saturday’s game at Wycombe Wanderers, when Brown will be holding talks with his coaching staff.

“We will all sit down to discuss Don’s future but if anyone deserves a new deal for how hard he’s worked then it’s him,” said Brown.

“He really has worked his socks off since he’s been here.”

Cowan, 23, has made one start and two substitute appearances since signing for the Shrimpers earlier this month.