SOUTHEND United are still waiting to hear if striker Noel Hunt will be accepting their latest contract offer.

Hunt rejected the first deal handed to be him by Blues.

But Shrimpers boss Phil Brown has yet to hear back from the Irishman since offering him a different contract.

“I haven’t heard back from Noel since we made him a second offer so I’m not too sure what’s happening with him,” said Brown.

“I’ve heard rumours linking him with other teams but we haven’t heard anything concrete so I can’t really too much about it at the moment.”

Hunt joined Blues last summer but endured an injury ravaged season at Roots Hall.

The 33-year-old made just 14 starts and is believed to have been offered a pay as you play type deal to stay with the Shrimpers.

Hunt, who scored four times last term, is believed to be attracting interest from National League side Eastleigh but his future remains unclear.

Blues were also keen for Hunt to participate in a full pre-season in order to strengthen him up before the start of the forthcoming campaign in a bid to avoid further injury setbacks.

Shrimpers boss Brown is seeking alternative options and held another round of talks with a main striking target yesterday.

The forward lined up in the Championship last season and Brown is now keen on bringing him to Roots Hall.

“We’re doing everything we can and have tried really hard in the last few days to make him choose us,” said Brown.

“He would do well here.”