The Blues have history signing French forwards so we'll have to see how this one goes.
22 year old Laurent has signed for twelve months with an option for another year. Former clubs include German side SV Eintracht Trier 05 and French clubs Sochaux and Beauvais.
He told www.southendunited.co.uk, speaking through a translator (Brushy?): "It's very flattering being compared to Kanu, hopefully I can live up to that. The coaches are very good here at Southend and hopefully I can develop as a player with the squad. English football was always my favourite when I was growing up so I am looking forward to showing the fans what I can do." And we could get an idea as early as Saturday as he should be included in the final sixteen for Walsall.
Tilly and Co. were impressed with Laurent's performance when he scored our third goal against Fulham in a 4-2 win in the reserve friendly played behind closed doors last Tuesday.
Francis continued: "It was good for me and my confidence to score against Fulham. I am a striker and it is important for me to get goals. I haven't had a proper pre-season with a squad but I have done a lot of running back in France to keep fit so I don't believe that will prove too much of a problem. The langauage will be a barrier to start with, (well he can order Frites covered in mayanise with the Moose, who will have some time on his hands now), but I am going to learn as quickly as possible. When I was out in Germany I managed to pick it up really quickly so hopefully that will be the case here."
He did have a week long trail with League Two Barnet just a fortnight ago but was not offered a contract on that occasion......not saying it means anything.