SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell is making inroads in his bid to sign a new striker.

The transfer window closed at the end of January with Powell frustrated not to have bolstered his attacking options.

But the Shrimpers chief has continued to look for another forward currently not with another club.

And he remains hopeful a deal can be completed.

“Something quite possibly might happen and we’re making inroads,” said Powell.

“It’s hard but we’ve been a little bit creative and we might have something which could progress.

"There aren't many unattached players at the moment and those who are everyone is looking at them.

"I know Charlton are looking and Plymouth could be signing Joe Mason.

"Most players are fixed up and if they aren't then trying to get them fit could be a problem.

"We'll have to wait and see what happens but that’s all there is to say on the matter right now."

Powell currently has Simon Cox and Stephen Humphrys as his only senior strikers.

But the 49-year-old has been delighted with the impact they have been making.

"Steve scored again at the weekend and that's three goals in four games for him now," said Powell.

"He's scored his goals with a bit of magic from nowhere but I'm sure he would like to get some tap-ins as well.

"He's getting fitter and stronger but what him and Simon Cox did after we went down to 10 men at the weekend should not be understated.

"We had to ask something different of them but they did it ever so well."

Powell signed Humphrys from Fulham towards the start of the transfer window but was unable to bring in another forward before the end of January.