SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has stepped up his attempts to sign trialist striker Amadou Ba.

The Frenchman has appeared in four matches during his short spell with the Shrimpers.

And Brown has now opened talks with the teenager’s agent.

“It’s going to depend on the finances and figures but we’re in talks with Amadou’s agent,” said Brown.

“Hopefully there will be a positive return because I’ve been impressed by him and I’m told he also did very well in the game against Thurrock last night.”

Ba has come on as a second half substitute in the Shrimpers’ last two first team friendlies and scored in the 1-1 draw at Ebbsfleet United.