Southend United manager Phil Brown has revealed he is interested in securing the services of Watford youngster Uche Ikpeazu on loan.

Ikpeazu joined the Hornets from Reading in the summer and could follow in the footsteps of former Hornet Britt Assombalonga, who excelled during a season-long stay with the Shrimpers last term.

Speaking to The Echo, Brown said: "We’ve been to watch Watford a few times now and every time we do it’s Uche who is the one who stands out for us so he’s certainly someone we’re thinking about.

"He’s very raw and has a lot to learn but physically he’s a beast of a striker and he has a good goalscoring record too."

The 18 year-old scored 28 times for Reading Under-18s last term, making him the top-scorer in the country at Under-18 level last season.

With Southend currently under a transfer embargo, Brown can only add one more player to his squad, meaning a move for Ikpeazu will have to be given serious consideration.