Coventry City target Lee Barnard has joined Southampton.
The Southend striker joined The Saints today for an undisclosed fee.
Barnard, who has scored fifteen goals for the Shrimpers this season, had been at Southend since 2008 after being released by Tottenham Hotspur.
Speaking to The Echo, Barnard said: “Southampton is a big club so it was a move I had to make really but it was about my ambition not the money,” Barnard told the Echo.
“I feel with Southampton I maybe have a quicker chance of getting into the Championship but it’s hard for me to leave Southend.
“I’m a local lad and I have absolutely loved my two years there. I hope people understand my decision and I want to thank everyone at the club for what they did for me.
“I wish them all the best for the future and I’m sure they will soon also be on the way up again.”