PHIL Brown is unsure if he can afford to sign striker Simon Cox, but revealed he is interested in capturing the former Swindon Town forward’s signature.

Cox has been linked with a return to the County Ground and while Brown would welcome the Reading-born player into his current squad, he’s not completely sure his budget will allow him to do so.

Town are a forward light after Paul Mullin joined League Two rivals Tranmere Rovers for an undisclosed fee, the 23 year old completing a medical having been told he was free to speak to other clubs.

Former Irish international Cox, who worked under Brown at Southend, last appeared in Town colours during the 2008-09 season. He became a fans’ favourite at the County Ground after notching 35 goals from 62 appearances, having notched eight in 19 while on loan in the previous campaign.

Brown said: “Simon Cox is available and where he’s concerned he’s certainly someone I’m interested in.

“But at the same time I’m not too sure whether I can afford him or not. I know what package he was on at Southend and that involved being heavily loaded in the first division.

“And I think Simon will still want to play at the highest level possible. Yes I’m interested, but I’m not sure whether I can afford him or not.”

Hopes of a County Ground comeback for Cox appeared to further recede with the Southend Echo reporting this morning that the frontman was set to sign a new one-year deal with the Shrimpers, with the option of a further 12 months, having scored 26 goals in 97 appearances since signing for them in 2016.

Another player linked with Town is former Hull City winger Jamie Devitt, who also has previous experience working with Brown.

The Dublin-born player – who is out of contract having spent last season at Carlisle - started his playing career at Hull City in 2008 before stints at Chesterfield, Morecambe and Carlisle followed.

Brown declared his interest in the Irishman – adding he’s settled down a lot since he last worked with him.

Brown said: “Again, I’ve worked with Jamie Devitt before (at Hull City). He’s got good ability at this level and has settled down from the young man he was when I worked with him at Hull City.

“He was a bit of a tearaway then and was always back and forth to Ireland. But I think he’s settled down. He’s living in the country now and is a player I’ve admired in the last couple of years.”

Town’s only new addition to date, Jermaine McGlashan, taking part in the club’s first few days of pre-season training at Southampton Solent University, which got under way yesterday.

But Brown confirmed one – if not two – more faces could be in the camp before the end of the week.

He said: “One new player in makes everyone sit up a bit. Hopefully by the end of this week we’ll have another player in, if not two.

“It’s about settling things down before the season gets under way.’’