TYRONE Barnett could be heading back to Southend United, Echosport can reveal.

Barnett ended last season on loan at the Shrimpers, scoring five goals in 20 games.

And Blues boss Phil Brown has now given Barnett’s representatives 24 hours to complete a return to Roots Hall.

“I’ve spoken to Tyrone and I would like to bring him back but I’ve told his agent I want it to be done in the 24 hours or it’s not going to happen,” said Brown.

“His agent took that on board and understood the situation because I want to start bringing players in.

“I liked what I saw from Tyrone last season and now’s he available on a free transfer from Shrewsbury I do think it would be good business to bring him back.”

Barnett was extremely impressive at the start of his loan spell, scoring three goals in his first three games before becoming far less prolific in the final third.

However, Brown is still keen on bringing the 30-year-old back to the Shrimpers – especially as his move for a striker who lined up in the Championship last season now seems to be in doubt.

“I met with a striker who had we signed would have been a real coup for us,” said Brown.

“It would have been bigger news than us signing Noel Hunt last season but it’s now hugely doubtful that it’s going to happen.”

But Brown is still keen to sign more strikers and has been impressed by trialist Ronan Murray during pre-season.

Murray has scored three times in two appearances and now looks set to join Blues in Spain for six days of warm weather training next week.

“I’ve seen lots of good signs from Ronan in the two games he’s played and he could be the kind of striker we’ve been missing,” said Brown.

“At it stands he will be coming to Spain when we fly out on Sunday and it will be good to see how he responds out there too.”

Echosport understands Blues have yet to decide if Nile Ranger will be joining him in Spain and doubts also surround Gavin Gunning.

The former Dundee United centre-back looked strong against Great Wakering Rovers.

But he is now struggling with an ankle problem which could force him out of the trip.

“I’ve spoken to Ben, our physio, about Gavin’s injury and he said if he was our player he would recommend that he wouldn’t play this weekend,” said Brown.

“But we will see how he responds to treatment because I do like what I’ve seen of him so far.”