SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has identified five possible transfer targets to sign during the January window.

Three of the shortlist play in attack, with the other two at centre-back.

And Brown will now be doing all he can to try and complete signings in both areas of the pitch.

“I want to bring in a striker and a centre-back during January and we’re at the stage now where we’re talking to clubs and trying to make the deals happen,” said Brown.

“I won’t be saying too much about who want other than the fact we’ve made approaches for three strikers and two defenders.

“We’re in competition with other clubs and have to try and persuade others to let them leave but we’ll certainly be doing all we can to bolster the squad in those positions.”

Blues are currently seventh in the table and host play-off rivals Rochdale this weekend.