Freddy ready to quit Roots

Freddy Eastwood admits he could be on the move from Southend in the summer.

Freddy Eastwood admits it would be hard to turn down the chance to stay in the Championship, or even step-up to the Premiership, should Southend fail to stave off the threat of the drop.

While Southend have struggled somewhat this term having previously won successive promotions, Eastwood has lived up to his billing as one of the most talented strikers outside of the top flight.

A number of clubs higher up the football pyramid are thought to be monitoring his progress closely and now Eastwood has conceded he would be ready to leave Roots Hall, in order for his career to continue on an upwards trajectory.

The likes of Manchester City, amongst others, have been mooted as possible suitors and the 23-year-old would relish the prospect of Premiership football should the opportunity present itself.

"If a bigger club comes in for me, Southend let me go and it means playing in the Championship or the Premiership, then I'd love to listen," Eastwood told The Sun.

"We'd have to listen to any offers. I've been here for three seasons and I've done well.

"We've had two successive promotions and although we have struggled this season, we've still enjoyed it because we have been playing against some good teams."

Eastwood's stock has risen to such an extent that an international call-up is believed to be in the pipeline, with Wales eager to have the free-scoring hit-man on board.

Again, Eastwood is confident that were he given opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities on a higher stage, then he would not disappoint.

"Hopefully, if I can just keep doing what I've been doing, I'll get selected.

"It's a big step-up but to be quite honest, if selected, I feel I can deal with that kind of pressure."