Southend United manager Phil Brown is keen to bring former loanee Stephen Hendrie back to the club.

The 22-year-old left-back – who appeared five times while with the Shrimpers at the start of 2016 – is available on a free transfer after being released by West Ham after both sides agreed to cancel his contract by mutual consent.

The Southend Echo say they understand Shrimpers boss Brown is keen to snap up Hendrie to enhance the left-hand side of his defence and believes the Scotsman would also be suited to play further forward in midfield.

Hendrie – who cost the Hammers £1million in 2015 – made just eight appearances while on loan at Blackburn last season and is also attracting interest from a number of Scottish sides since he was released last week.