SOUTHEND United are in talks to sign former Barnet striker Simeon Akinola, Echosport understands.

The 28-year-old, who can also play out wide, is wanted by the Shrimpers following the departure of Stephen Humphrys.

But boss Mark Molesley remain tight-lipped when asked if Akinola was close to joining Blues.

“It’s clear we need reinforcements,” said Molesley.

“We have to get the right characters with the right attitude to take us forward.

“We have five players to come back from injury so if we can add to that as well then the picture will look different quite quickly.”

Akinola scored 16 goals for Barnet last season and has netted 24 goals in 102 appearances in total for the Bees.

The attacker also had a three year spell with Braintree before joining Barnet in 2017.