SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown insists inroads are being made into bringing Joe Pigott back to the club.

Pigott ended last season on loan with the Shrimpers, scoring a dramatic injury time equaliser in the play-off final success against Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley.

And Brown, who has been in discussions about re-signing the striker for several weeks, is now hopeful of a deal being completed.

“We have several irons in the fire but things are a bit further along with Joe now and we’re definitely making inroads where he’s concerned,” said the Blues boss.

“The chairman is now dealing with the financial side of it all and hopefully we will be able to bring Joe back to the club.”

Pigott, who is with Championship club Charlton Athletic, bagged seven goals in 23 appearances during a five month spell with the Shrimpers last term.

But Brown is now keen to bolster his strikeforce by bringing him back to the club.

The Southend chief is still also keen to former loanees – defender Luke O’Neill and winger Stephen McLaughlin.

However, the 56-year-old does not expect deals for them to be completed any time soon.

“I’ve spoken to both clubs in questions but they have pre-season friendlies to fulfil and if any deal is to be done it won’t be for a while yet,” said Brown.

“It would probably be in the final couple of weeks before the season if we are able to do anything.”

However, Brown will continue to look elsewhere and is attempting to take AFC Bournemouth defender Stephane Zubar – who was on loan at York last season – and experienced former Leeds United and Plymouth Argyle right-back Paul Connolly on trial.

“We’re looking at bringing in Stephane and Paul to have a look at but we’re waiting to hear back from their agents,” said Brown.

“If we get the go-ahead then they could well come in to train with us and feature in the two games we have coming up in the space of two days.”