SOUTHEND United are considering a £150,000 offer from Saints for star striker Lee Barnard, the Daily Echo understands.

The 25-year-old is out of contract in the summer and has indicated that he doesn’t intend to sign a new deal at Roots Hall.

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That means the Shrimpers are resigned to losing their top scorer at a cut price, with Saints leading the chase.

Leeds are also understood to have enquired about the forward, who has scored 17 goals in all competitions this season, but they have not yet lodged a formal bid.

Initially it was believed their interest had cooled, with Jermaine Beckford withdrawing a transfer request and declaring his intention to stay at Elland Road until the end of the season.

That would have left the road clear for Saints to hunt Barnard.

However it has now been revealed that Beckford has signed a pre-contract agreement with Everton.

Subsequently Leeds have had an offer accepted for Barnard as a possible replacement.

And Alan Pardew has admitted the former Spurs trainee is a player that is interesting him.

“We have made it quite obvious we are trying to move forward quickly and we are attracted by any player that is up for sale if they are within our in our realm,” said the Saints boss.

“Lee Barnard is one of a number of names that has crossed our path and we are pursuing a number of areas."

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