RYAN Cresswell has told Southend United manager Phil Brown he is keen to return to the north of the country.

The Blues centre-back, who was born in Rotherham, has attracted interest from both Fleetwood Town and Chesterfield since the end of last season.

And Brown has now revealed the 25-year-old would ideally like to leave Roots Hall.

“I’ve spoken to Ryan and he’s made noises that he would like to return up north,” confirmed the Shrimpers boss.

“He has said he’s found it hard to settle and feels homesick.

“He would like to be nearer to where he’s from which, to be honest, is a shame, because he’s a very good player and I would want him to stay and be happy here.”

Cresswell impressed for Blues last season, scoring eight goals in 54 games.

He was also voted into the League Two team of the season but, despite him being unsettled, Southend will not allow the defender to leave cheaply.

“We have a valuation of the player which needs to be met if we are to allow him to leave,” said Brown.

“Not many League Two or League One clubs will be able to match that unless they decide to really push the boat out for a centre-back and Ryan is only interested in going to a northern club, so that limits his options too.

“But the only bid we’ve had so far was paltry to say the least and we certainly won’t be accepting that.”

The Echo now understands that Fleetwood’s offer for Cresswell was below the £50,000 mark which was first mooted.

But Blues are understood to want a six-figure sum for the defender who joined them from Rotherham at the start of last season.