SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is keen to bring Tyrone Barnett back to the club – if he becomes available for transfer.

Barnett ended last season on loan with the Shrimpers, scoring five goals in 20 games.

But Brown is interested in signing the 30-year-old on a permanent basis if he is released by Shrewsbury Town.

“I would be keen on working with Tyrone again but it depends on what happens with him at Shrewsbury really,” said Brown.

“He still has another year on his contract with them and could be part of their plans for next season.

“But if he’s not and he’s available on a free transfer then I will certainly be looking to sign him.

“Tyrone has a lot of qualities but it’s out of our hands what happens next.”

Barnett – who has previously played for Crawley Town and Peterborough United – joined Blues on loan in January.

The centre-forward started well with the Shrimpers and netted four goals in his first six games but then managed to hit the back of the net just once in his next 14 outings.

Speaking to Echosport in April, Barnett insisted he would be interested in lining up for Southend again next season.

But the move is only likely to happen if he is released by the Shrews and Blues are unlikely to pay any kind of transfer fee.