Southend have rejected bids from Millwall and Sheffield United for Ryan Leonard, according to reports.

Shrimpers boss Phil Brown wants to keep hold of his star man, but the lure of Championship football might be too much.

Leonard has won Southend’s Player of the Year award three times since arriving at Roots Hall in 2011.

The 25-year-old midfielder was handed a new contract by the Essex side to stop him leaving on a free transfer.

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And HITC says that Championship clubs Millwall and Sheffield United have had bids for the player turned down by Southend.

Leonard, who can also play in defence, would compete with Ben Thompson, Shaun Williams and Calum Butcher for a place in the Millwall midfield if he joined the club.