RON Martin has told Ipswich Town that they would need to stump up more than £5m for striker Freddy Eastwood.The Southend chairman slapped the price tag on the Shrimpers' prolific goal-scorer to scare away the many suitors that Eastwood has and confirmed that Ipswich are among a group of clubs interested in the 22-year-old.

By Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

RON Martin has told Ipswich Town that they would need to stump up more than £5m for striker Freddy Eastwood.

The Southend chairman slapped the price tag on the Shrimpers' prolific goal-scorer to scare away the many suitors that Eastwood has and confirmed that Ipswich are among a group of clubs interested in the 22-year-old.

Martin named the Blues, along with Norwich City, West Bromwich Albion, Derby Country, Cardiff, Sunderland and Plymouth Argyle as the clubs who have approached Southend about Eastwood.

Blues boss Jim Magilton admitted he was a fan of Eastwood and had been a close eye on the former non-league star's progress.

Magilton said: “

Eastwood has this season and next on his £100,000 a year contract and Southend are in talks with him about keeping him at Roots Hall.

Martin said: “Freddy is not going anywhere. It doesn't matter if we are offered £2m, £3m or £5m, we would not sell him.

“We are prepared to match terms that will match any of those he could get elsewhere in the Championship.”