SOUTHEND United are interested in signing Charlton Athletic striker Nicky Ajose, Echosport can reveal.

The 25-year-old has scored seven goals in 28 appearances for the Addicks so far this season but has drifted in and out of the starting line-up in recent weeks.

Ajose has not been picked since Charlton drew 1-1 at Roots Hall on New Year’s Eve and is now attracting the interest of Shrimpers boss Phil Brown who is determined to add to his attacking options before the closure of the January transfer window.

Ajose, who came through the ranks at Manchester United, scored 25 goals in 40 games for Swindon Town last season and bagged a brace in the Robins’ 4-2 win against the Shrimpers at the County Ground in January 2016.