SOUTHEND United have tabled an offer for a striker currently with a Championship club.

Blues boss Phil Brown is still keen to strengthen his attacking options during the January transfer window - despite already having signed former Gillingham forward Frank Nouble.

But Brown faces stiff competition to sign his latest target.

He said: “We’ve made an offer for a striker but we’re not the only ones interested so it’s going to be a fight to get him.

“Three or four clubs in our league are also interested and so are two or three in the Championship but we’ll be doing all we can to bring him to Southend.”

Brown refused to publicly name the striker in question but Echosport understands it is neither of Fulham duo Matt Smith and Cauley Woodrow, who the Shrimpers boss is also believed to be interested in signing.

Brown is now also targeting another goal-getting forward who is currently out of favour at a League One club.