SOUTHEND United’s chief executive Steve Kavanagh insists the Shrimpers did all they could to keep hold of Jack Payne.

The attacking midfielder has now completed a switch to Championship club Huddersfield Town.

But Kavanagh revealed Blues first opened contract talks with Payne last autumn and could not have done any more to try and entice the attacking midfielder to stay at Roots Hall.

“We did all we could to keep Jack and it was last September that we first opened contract talks with him,” said Kavanagh.

“We made him contract offers which would have made him one of the highest paid players at the club.

“But he’s decided he wanted to move on to play at a higher level and that’s entirely up to him.

“We have invested substantially in his development from a young age and through that investment he has now developed into a top talent.

“We were very keen he continued that development at Southend United and we had many meetings and made several offers in an attempt to achieve that.

“But he’s opted to move up into the Championship and we wish him all the very best for the future.”

Payne bagged 17 goals in 88 appearances for Blues and ended last season as the club’s top scorer with nine goals.

But despite him now being out of contract, the Shrimpers will be entitled to a transfer fee as Payne is still only 21-years-old.

“Due to the fact Jack is still under the age of 24 we will be entitled to compensation with this deal,” said Kavanagh.

“We will continue to talk to Huddersfield and hope to get what we think will be a fair transfer figure.”

Payne will now be looking to shine for the Terriers, who finished 19th in the Championship last season.