Southend United have been watching Julien Ngoy at Stoke City and are considering a move, according to football journalist Alan Nixon.

Ngoy is a target for Southend, presumably on a loan deal, and manager Chris Powell has done a personal check on the striker.

The 20-year-old is highly rated by Stoke after joining in 2013, initially in the club's academy.

Ngoy has played seven first-team games for the Potters and is yet to score his first senior goal for the club, although he did net three times in an impressive loan stint with Walsall last term.

The Belgium under-21 international could be loaned out again with Essex side Southend interested.

The Shrimpers want to add the 6ft 1in striker to their squad ahead of a potential promotion push.

The Verdict

I felt that Ngoy could have got some first-team chances at Stoke this season.

But if he is going to sit behind the likes of Peter Crouch, Saido Berahino and Benik Afobe, then a loan move is for the best.

Perhaps a short-term loan until January would be ideal, by which point they can assess whether the powerful young forward is ready to head into the Stoke picture or whether he needs more time out on loan.

Southend fans - Would you like to sign Ngoy? Stoke fans - Would you keep, loan or sell him? Let us know below...