RYAN Leonard is keen to leave Southend United.

Championship duo Sheffield United and Millwall have both had offers rejected for the Shrimpers’ energetic midfielder this summer.

But Leonard’s agent Peter Conning has revealed the 25-year-old would welcome the opportunity to test himself at a higher level.

“Ryan has not submitted a transfer request at this stage but he would certainly like to play at a higher level and move on from Southend,” said Conning.

“He would welcome the chance to step up to the Championship and the club are being offered good money so it would seem to make good financial sense too.”

Leonard, who has made 236 appearances for Blues since signing in 2011, has been the club’s player of the year in the past two seasons.

However, his fine form is now attracting interest from elsewhere with Millwall having a £300,000 offer rejected.

Shrimpers chairman Ron Martin had previously told Echosport of his determination to keep hold of Leonard and said he would soon be offering the midfielder a vastly improved contract.