Southend United FC

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• Founded:1906
• Manager:Paul Sturrock

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Barnard nears Shrimpers exit

21 Jan 2010 - 15:30:21

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Southend United chairman Ron Martin has admitted that striker Lee Barnard is likely to leave the League One club this month.

The 25-year-old is out of contract next summer and has made it known that he would prefer to move on, with Southampton and Leeds United rumoured to be interested parties.

Martin told The Echo: "Of course the club doesn't want to sell Lee, but clearly he will not sign a new contract and I am told he will walk at the end of the season.

"In the meantime, because the player recognises that he might double or even treble his wages at the clubs that have enquired, it would be difficult for the manager to keep him motivated.

"There has been interest from two League One clubs over the past few days with a third club, again in League One, making enquiries.

"All these clubs are vying for promotion and are formally of at least Championship status."