SOUTHAMPTON have tabled a £150,000 offer for Southend United’s top goalscorer Lee Barnard.

And the Echo also understands that Leeds United are interested in the forward who has netted 17 times already this season.

Barnard’s contract expires at end of the campaign when he could leave Roots Hall on a free transfer and the club most now decide whether or not to accept the first official bid for the 25-year-old.

“Southampton are the first to place a bid for Lee,” confirmed a source close to the Shrimpers.

“Leeds have also been in touch and expressed an interest but they have not come forward with a bid yet.”

Billericay based Barnard joined Blues from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2008 and has netted 37 goals in 69 starts.

This season has been his best so far - due to his improved fitness record - and his fine form has now alerted other League One clubs.

Millwall were also among those believed to be monitoring his situation but Southampton manager Alan Pardew is the first to have made a move.

“We have made it quite obvious we are trying to move forward quickly and we are attracted by any player that is up for sale if they are within our in our realm,” said Pardew.

“Lee Barnard is one of a number of names that has crossed our path and we are pursuing a number of areas.”

Full story in Wednesday's Echo