Albion loanee Glen Rea is wanted by Southend for their League One promotion push for the rest of the season and possibly for good.

The versatile Republic of Ireland under-21 international's stay with the Shrimpers is scheduled to end on January 2.

Southend boss Phil Brown said: "I want Glen to stay with us until the end of the season and will be having talks with Brighton about whether or not that can happen very soon.

"Glen has done well for us and he's capable of playing in quite a few positions.

"It's always very useful to have someone that versatile in the squad and it would be good news for us if we could keep him for longer."

Rea, who can play at centre-half or in central midfield, joined Southend in late August. They made a slow start to the season but go into Christmas in seventh place, outside the play-offs on goal difference.

Rea's starting appearances have dried up at Roots Hall but Brown, speaking to the Southend Echo, said: "He's missed matches through injury and international call ups but he offers us a lot.

"We're also looking beyond just this season because he's in the final year of his contract at Brighton and it's something we will certainly be keeping an eye on."