TYRONE Barnett is close to completing a loan switch to Southend United, Echosport understands.

The 30-year-old Shrewsbury Town striker is in talks with the Shrimpers who hope to seal a deal in time for him to make his debut at Swindon Town on Saturday.

Blues missed out on signing Barnett when he signed for the Shrews last February.

But he has now been made available for transfer due to Town’s struggles in League One.

Barnett has bagged six goals so far this term and could now be heading to Roots Hall as Phil Brown looks to bolster his strike-force following Joe Pigott’s return to Charlton Athletic on the completion of his loan.

The Shrimpers have bagged 31 goals in 24 league games so far this season, the joint lowest total in the top 11 teams.

But Blues will be hoping Barnett can improve their record in the final third.

Barnett has also lined up for Macclesfield Town, Crawley Town, Peterborough United, Ipswich Town, Bristol City and Oxford United, scoring 57 goals in 226 appearances, 168 of which were starts.