HITC Sport understands Southend star Leonard is unhappy that the club have rejected bids for him from Sheffield United and Bolton Wanderers.

Coventry’s Adam Armstrong and Southend United’s Ryan Leonard in action

Southend United ace Ryan Leonard is unhappy with the club turning down offers for him and has informed the club he wants to move on, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club.

Sheffield United and Bolton Wanderers are both chasing Leonard and have seen offers for the midfielder rejected by Southend with the club claiming the player is not for sale.

Newly promoted Championship duo Sheffield United and Millwall have made sizeable offers for Leonard, but the bids have been rejected out of hand by Southend.

Southend’s Ryan Leonard

Southend’s stance has upset Leonard with the player disappointed that the club have gone back on a promise to let him move on if they did not win promotion from League One last season.

Leonard has reiterated his desire to leave to Shrimpers manager Phil Brown and chairman Ron Martin and he is considering what action to take next.

Southend took up the option to extend Leonard’s contract at the end of the season, but the player is unlikely to sign a longer deal that the club plan to offer him.

Leonard is understood to be keen on a move away from Southend this summer as he wants to play at the highest level possible and had hoped that the club would not stand in his way of playing in the Championship.

AFC Wimbledon’s Jake Reeves in action against Southend United’s Ryan Leonard (R)

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