SOUTHEND United boss Phil Brown has confirmed Adam Barrett could still be coming back to the club.

Echosport revealed last week how the popular defender had been seen in transfer talks with Brown at the Roslin Hotel.

And Brown has still not dismissed the possibility of Barrett returning to Roots Hall.

“The situation where Adam Barrett is concerned is still hovering around in the background,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“It’s now more to do with them (Gillingham) than us.”

Barrett made 289 appearances during six years with the Shrimpers earlier on in his career before leaving the club in the summer of 2010.

He spent the first five months of this season on loan at AFC Wimbledon from Gillingham. And the Kent club are believed to have told the 35-year-old, who grew up supporting Blues, that he is free to leave the Priestfield Stadium.

Brown still remains in talks to strengthen his squad and is hopeful of signing another striker ahead of Saturday’s game at Oxford United.

“We’re very close to agreeing a deal for another player now and hope to be able to confirm it today or tomorrow,” said the 55-year-old.

“We’ve spoken to several Premier League and Championship clubs about strikers on their books and we’re hopeful that it’s close to being done.

“It’s by no means a done deal but we do hope that we will be in a position to announce the new signing by tomorrow at latest.”

Brown denied rumours linking him with a switch for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ striker Jake Cassidy, who spent the first half of the season on loan with Notts County.

The 21-year-old scored four goals in 18 starts while with the League One side but Brown insisted he would not be bringing him to Blues.

Brown opted not to name the striker in question but is keen to bolster his options after seeing his side score 24 goals in 25 league games this season.

The Shrimpers boss brought Joe Pigott to the club on loan from Charlton Athletic last week.

However, he still remains keen to sign another striker to bolster his options in the final third of the pitch.