Express & Star

Southend starlet Jack Payne on Wolves' radar

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Wolves are thought to be one of a host of clubs chasing Southend midfielder Jack Payne.

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The highly-rated 21-year-old is out of contract at Roots Hall this summer and is believed to be on Wolves' shortlist as Kenny Jackett and Kevin Thelwell look to snap up one of League One's star performers this season.

Left-footed attacking midfielder Payne has scored nine goals in 34 appearances.

The Shrimpers have been trying to tie Englishman Payne to a new contract but boss Phil Brown recently admitted defeat in his bid to keep Payne at Roots Hall and duly left him out of the squad for last Saturday's defeat at home to Bradford.

Payne has enjoyed a prolific season with Southend and this week scooped three gongs at the Shrimpers Trust player of the season awards - player of the season, Junior Blues player of the season and the goal of the season.

However Wolves are by no means the only club interested in Payne.

Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town and Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam have also expressed an interest.

Brown recently told the Southend Echo of his disappointment that Payne and fellow Southend starlet, goalkeeper Daniel Bentley, were set to leave the club.

"I honestly thought Jack was someone who could have carried us to the Championship next year," Brown said.

"But we couldn't have done any more to keep him and it's the same with Dan Bentley too.

"I am now resigned to losing both Jack Payne and Daniel Bentley and think they will leave.

"We've had an email from Jack Payne and his representatives that saddens me really.

"These two lads came through the youth system here and I'm really disappointed for Ricky Duncan, the academy and the likes of Graham Coughlan who have put so much time and effort into developing them."

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