SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has stepped up his pursuit of Nottingham Forest winger Stephen McLaughlin.

The Irishman ended last season on loan with the Shrimpers as they secured promotion into League One.

And Brown revealed Blues have now opened talks to bring him back to Roots Hall.

“Things have progressed where Stephen McLaughlin is concerned and we’re now in talks about trying to sign him,” said the 56-year-old.

“The chairman obviously knows their manager Dougie Freedman very well from his time playing here during his own career and hopefully that can help us get it sorted out because I would love to have Stephen with us again.

“He has a fantastic left foot and I think he would be able to do well in League One.”

McLaughlin scored twice in nine games and scored a crucial goal in the second leg of the Shrimpers’ play-off semi-final against Stevenage.

He also started the play-off final with Wycombe Wanderers and is believed to have been made available for transfer by Forest.

Boss Brown also remains keen on bringing another loanee – striker Joe Pigott – back to the club.

But the Blues chief will need to remain patient in the pursuit of the centre-forward who was on target for his side at Wembley.

“Joe will be going back to Charlton Athletic in pre-season for them to have a look at him,” said Brown.

“The manager there has never seen him play so it’s difficult for him to really make a judgement.

“He’s going to assess Joe and make a decision after that.

“But we’ve registered our interest, we want Joe to be with us again next season either on loan or on a permanent basis and if he does become available then hopefully we are in pole position to sign him.”

Pigott scored seven times in 23 appearances while with the Shrimpers.