SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has stepped up his attempts to keep Franck Moussa at the club.

The Belgian midfielder ended last season back at Roots Hall.

And Brown now wants him to stay with the Shrimpers for next season.

“I’ve had a good, positive chat with Franck and we will now be offering him something for next year,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“I think creativity and goalscoring is something we lacked from midfield last season and that is certainly what Franck can bring.

“I’ve spoken to him about how important pre-season is for him and how we need to get him fully fit and Franck agrees.

“He’s had problems with his knees but we can manage that and it’s now just going to be down to his agent being able to agree a deal with us.”

Moussa came through the youth system at Blues and made more than 100 appearances for the club before deciding to leave in the summer of 2010.

But the 26-year-old returned to the Shrimpers in March and, after working on his fitness, he scored at Bury on the final day of the League One season.

Brown now hopes Moussa will be stay with Southend and he remains keen to also bring in Glen Rea.

The 21-year-old was on loan at Blues from Brighton & Hove Albion at the start of last season.

And Brown has now met with him to discuss a return.

“I had a good chat with Glen and his agent and it’s up to them what they do next,” said Brown.

“I would like him to come back in but he has interest from other clubs, and I’m sure he will take his time to decide what he thinks is best.

“Most players will do the same at this time of year and I must have spoken to at least 15 or 16 players already since the season ended.

“We’re lining up our ducks and waiting to hear back from our targets now.”

Brown is also still waiting to hear back from winger David Worrall and striker Noel Hunt, who have both been handed new contracts to stay with the Shrimpers.