SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is to hold talks with striker Marc-Antonie Fortune.

The former West Bromwich Albion forward is currently on trial with the Shrimpers.

And Brown seems to have been impressed by what the experienced Frenchman has to offer.

“Marc has worked well in training and he’s integrated into the group well too,” said Brown.

“He’s trained with us all week and also played at Peterborough in the under 21 game on Tuesday.

“I’ll have a conversation with him and his agent and see where that takes us.

“We have up until 12 o’clock to make a decision on whether or not he can play on Saturday but there’s a lot of negotiation to be done.

“Getting it done by Saturday might be a bridge too far.

“I’m not too sure at the moment but I don’t want to build everyone’s hopes up and then deflate them as has proven to be the case on a number of occasions.”

Fortune, 35, was with Coventry City last season and has also lined up for Doncaster Rovers, Wigan Athletic and Coventry City.

However, he is currently without a club and is therefore still able to sign for the Shrimpers.

Former Red Star Belgrade striker Josh Park had also been training with Blues.

But he will not be offered a contract.