Kent Shrimper
Mike Reid
Derby County have not given up hope of signing striker Freddy Eastwood despite Southend United telling the Rams and other interested clubs: "Don't waste your time - he's not for sale."
Eastwood is seen as a partner for Steve Howard but the Rams have been frustrated by Southend's decision to snub their £1m bid.
Derby feel they have made a "very, very good offer" for the 22-year-old and are reluctant to go higher.
They have other options and are also prepared to do business right up to the end of the month.
"We shall still be interested in Freddy Eastwood at the right price right up to when the transfer window closes," said managing director Mike Horton.
"It is up to Southend now. We are waiting to see if they want to negotiate. We have not had that call yet. If we do, we will be more than happy to sit down with them."
Southend chairman Ron Martin says Eastwood is not for sale and is determined to keep him at Roots Hall.
Martin now plans to open talks with the player about a new contract. Eastwood's current deal has another year to run with the option of a further 12 months.
"I have spoken to his agent and I would be happy to discuss a new contract for Freddy. I have invited him to come back to me and talk things through," said Martin.
Martin appears to be in no mood to discuss offers for Eastwood.
"Derby made an approach for Freddy but I told them he was not for sale," said Martin.
"I have spoken to our manager, Steve Tilson, and we both feel it is in his best interests to stay at Southend. He has a big part to play for us in the Championship.
"Any other clubs planning to make a bid for him are wasting their time."
Ryan Smith should complete his move from Arsenal today and be available for the Rams' opening Championship match against Southampton on Sunday.
A fee has been agreed with the Gunners and personal terms have been finalised with the 19-year-old wide left player, who has undergone a medical
The Football Forum
Eastwood is seen as a partner for Steve Howard but the Rams have been frustrated by Southend's decision to snub their £1m bid.
Derby feel they have made a "very, very good offer" for the 22-year-old and are reluctant to go higher.
They have other options and are also prepared to do business right up to the end of the month.
"We shall still be interested in Freddy Eastwood at the right price right up to when the transfer window closes," said managing director Mike Horton.
"It is up to Southend now. We are waiting to see if they want to negotiate. We have not had that call yet. If we do, we will be more than happy to sit down with them."
Southend chairman Ron Martin says Eastwood is not for sale and is determined to keep him at Roots Hall.
Martin now plans to open talks with the player about a new contract. Eastwood's current deal has another year to run with the option of a further 12 months.
"I have spoken to his agent and I would be happy to discuss a new contract for Freddy. I have invited him to come back to me and talk things through," said Martin.
Martin appears to be in no mood to discuss offers for Eastwood.
"Derby made an approach for Freddy but I told them he was not for sale," said Martin.
"I have spoken to our manager, Steve Tilson, and we both feel it is in his best interests to stay at Southend. He has a big part to play for us in the Championship.
"Any other clubs planning to make a bid for him are wasting their time."
Ryan Smith should complete his move from Arsenal today and be available for the Rams' opening Championship match against Southampton on Sunday.
A fee has been agreed with the Gunners and personal terms have been finalised with the 19-year-old wide left player, who has undergone a medical
The Football Forum
