Southend United dismiss reports linking winger Ryan Hall with Championship clubs (From Echo)

Southend United dismiss reports linking winger Ryan Hall with Championship clubs

1:23pm Friday 3rd August 2012 in npower League Two Table & Results By Chris Phillips

Ryan Hall - been linked with a move to Championship clubs

SOUTHEND United have dismissed reports linking Ryan Hall with a switch to a Championship club.

Both Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town had been linked with a move for the talented winger and sources close to the player claimed there had definitely been interest in the 24-year-old.

But Blues continue to insist no talks have taken place and no bids have been made.

“There are no talks going at the moment concerning Ryan’s future at the football club,” said a club spokesman.

“And we’re not involved in discussions with any other club despite what’s been reported.”

Hall ended last season as Blues’ top goalscorer as he hit the back of the net 14 times and he also had 19 assists, more than any other player in the country.

That is likely to have caught the eye of clubs in higher divisions and scouts from Forest did watch him in action against Ipswich Town on Tuesday night..

Hall still has a year remaining on contract at Roots Hall and would therefore not be able to leave without a fee.

However, if he did depart it would be a huge blow for Blues as he remains their biggest threat going forward.

Hall initially started slowly after joining Southend on a free transfer from non league Bromley in the summer of 2010 but, after adjusting to the pace of a higher standard, he soon started to shine on a more consistent basis.

He has now scored 22 times in 102 appearances for Blues, who are without a friendly this weekend.

Paul Sturrock’s side are next on action on Tuesday when they host Millwall at Roots Hall, kick off 7.45pm.