LEE Barnard insists he will not be affected by speculation linking him with a move away from Southend United.

The in-form forward, who has bagged 17 goals already this season, is rumoured to be attracting interest from Millwall, Leeds United and Southampton.

But Barnard remains fully focused on producing the goods for the Shrimpers.

“I’m just concentrating on my football and doing the best I can for Southend,” said Barnard whose contract at Roots Hall expires at the end of the season.

“You obviously read reports and hear the rumours but I can’t affect any of that.

“I’ll just keep on working hard and make sure I play well.”

Full story in Thursday's Echo.