SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is attempting to sign striker Izale McLeod from Crawley Town, Echosport understands.

Brown has already brought David Mooney and Noel Hunt to the Shrimpers this summer.

But he is now also believed to be lining up a swoop for McLeod, who bagged 21 goals for Crawley in League One last season.

McLeod’s fine form in front of goal was not enough to stop Crawley from suffering relegation.

And the 30-year-old now seems destined to leave the West Sussex club.

The forward watched Crawley’s friendly with Whitehawk last weekend from the stands after telling manager Mark Yates he was too ill to play.

McLeod also failed to feature in Crawley’s team picture for the forthcoming season and has seen former Blues striker Lee Barnard take over his number nine shirt.

McLeod has instead been handed number 22 but Crawley are not willing to sell the striker cheaply.

Notts County have already seen a bid which could have eventually totalled £100,000 turned down and Barnsley are also believed to be interested.

However, Blues are hopeful of bringing McLeod to Roots Hall as the striker looks to kick start his career.

McLeod sprung to prominence during a prolific spell with MK Dons which earned him a £1.1million move to Charlton Athletic in August 2007.

But McLeod made just seven league starts with the Addicks and played on loan for a trio of clubs before joining Barnet in 2010 after an unsuccessful trial with the Shrimpers.

McLeod has since played for Portsmouth and also had a second spell with MK Dons before joining Crawley at the start of last season.

He has scored 150 goals in 349 career starts.