SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is in talks with two new striking targets.

Brown has been forced to look elsewhere in his pursuit of new forwards after missing out on a swoop for Lee Novak, who opted to join Charlton Athletic.

And the Shrimpers chief is in discussions with a pair of forwards who have both played at a higher level.

“I met with two strikers this week and would love to bring them to the club,” said Brown.

“One of the players I’ve worked with before and he’s played in both the Premier League and the Championship, so he has real quality.

“I would love to bring him to Southend and that’s what we’re trying to make happen.

“The other striker we’re in for has also played in the Championship but I’m keen not to give too much away at this stage.”

Brown wants to improve his strike-force after no-one in the squad was able to reach double figures in front of goal last season.

Jack Payne top-scored with nine goals but has now left to join Huddersfield Town to leave the Blues boss short of attacking options.

However Brown is still keen on signing striker Nicky Clark, who lined up for Glasgow Rangers last season.

“We’re still interested in Nicky but we’re just waiting for a phone call from the Rangers manager Mark Warburton,” confirmed Brown.

“I think he’s a player with a lot of quality who I would certainly love to bring in.”

l Blues have officially confirmed the signings of right-back Jason Demetriou and winger Jermaine McGlashan, subjects to medical.

Both deals were exclusively revealed by Echosport earlier on this week.