SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is keen to bring John-Joe O’Toole to the club.

The Colchester United midfielder impressed while on loan at Bristol Rovers last season and Brown is therefore interested in bringing him to Roots Hall.

But with Rovers still interested, along with League One side Gillingham, Brown knows Blues may find it hard to complete the deal.

“John-Joe is a player we’re in for and one I’m interested in bringing to the football club but there are other teams in for him too,” confirmed Brown.

“We’re in the ball-park for him but when it comes to the finances I think we might get ousted by the other clubs we’re competing against.

“But we will do what we can to try and sign him.”

O’Toole came through the ranks at Watford and made 66 appearances for their first team.

He also spent time on loan with Wealdstone and Sheffield United before joining Colchester, initially on loan, in September 2009.

O’Toole made 76 appearances for the U’s and also played 18 times while with Bristol Rovers last season.

Brown will also run the rule over two Portugese trialists in tomorrow’s pre-season friendly at Great Wakering Rovers.

Left-back David Marques Pereira da Silva, who is know as Matthew Silva, is likely to figure along with right winger Bruno.

Two Greek trialists could also play a part in the game.

“I think if you’re bringing one over you might as well bring two because it helps them to settle in much quicker,” added Brown.